Starting from the 20th century, artists have actively sought to blur the lines between the figurative and the abstract, not for self-expression, but for knowledge of the world through art. The fragility of reality and the exploration of one's identity through the environment has captivated many, from René Magritte with his whimsical illusions to Edward Hopper's disquieting atmosphere and acute sense of loneliness in his canvases. In our time, people also contemplate the nature of reality and question the authenticity of their experiences. The simulation hypothesis, as one of the theoretical concepts, stems from these discussions and prompts contemporary artists to ponder the nature of their perception and existence.

The plots of Mila Che's works are highly diverse. At first glance, it may be challenging to discern a connection between them. However, all the art is united under a single conceptual framework, including thanks to the unique style. The artist depicts moments of human life that seem entirely mundane. For example, graffiti on the street, a woman preparing for a date, or two men sitting in a café. It's all so familiar. Nevertheless, the technique and style create an atmosphere of unreality in the scenes.

Backgrounds are depicted quite abstractly, conditionally. Concrete forms no longer restrict the viewer. Mila Che's paintings form a dynamic ensemble that resonates with the viewer through the variety of shapes, textures, and contrasts. One could say that there is a glitch effect, thereby making reality seem to elude the viewer, who desperately tries to grasp it. It creates the impression that beyond sight, beyond touch or coexistence, the world could collapse. The world, which we perceive as immutable, turns out to be so fragile, the reality so elusive, that we involuntarily question whether there is anything constant. The artist believes that there isn't. Everything flows, and everything changes. Nevertheless, Mila Che's artworks are also an attempt to provoke the viewer to ponder their own identity, to pose to themselves the eternal question–who am I?

Although the world in the artist's paintings appears unreal, the viewer feels as if they are the hero of these stories. It is the viewer looking in the mirror, preparing for a date, observing the graffiti on the road. They are the third person at the table in the café. The paintings give the viewer a sense of involvement and complete immersion, prompting them to contemplate the nature of existence, the possibility or impossibility of influencing the events of life, and the discussion of all these deep, invariably troubling topics that concern humanity.

The works of Mila Che provoke viewers to self-reflection and contemplation of their own experiences in the context of a rapidly changing world. Her art can be seen as a unique call to realize that the reality around us is much more complex and multifaceted than it initially seems, and within this complexity, a truth may be concealed that deserves our attention.

Sarah Cerasi
17.11.2023