Rollercoaster

The symbolism in “Rollercoaster” is, as expected, a rollercoaster of emotions and interpretations. The painting itself is an older work by Bobkin, and the original title contained a reference to the Middle East, where his characteristic style is unmistakable. An Afghan boy, surrounded by vast emptiness. The character appears uncomfortable in his surroundings, all depicted with minimalist brushstrokes. Also unmistakable is how the loop of the rollercoaster is depicted as the symbol for infinity (∞). An endless track up and down, doomed to repeat itself, as if a reference to history itself and the patterns we just can’t seem to break.