” chips and karats”

12×24

oil,acrylic on canvas

1500

The scene depicted in Chips and Karats unfolds in an eccentric and opulent underworld—a secret meeting place where animated icons take on unexpected personas. The Pringles Man, a suave figure with a knack for high-stakes dealings, stands poised atop a safe, symbolizing control over both wealth (“chips” as currency or poker chips) and strategy. His confident stance hints at his role as a key player in this exclusive gathering.

Daffy Duck, dressed in dark, priestly attire, suggests an enigmatic and morally ambiguous figure, perhaps the mediator of the group, blending sharp wit with mystery. Bugs Bunny, ever the charismatic schemer, is seated calmly at the table, a pile of glittering diamonds (or “karats”) in front of him, symbolizing both wealth and the clever indulgence that defines his character.

The room’s deep green tones and the juxtaposition of luxurious decor (like the chandelier and portraits) with hints of danger (the AK-47 and cacti) set the tone for a meeting that balances sophistication with underlying tension. Wile E. Coyote, seated confidently in a chair, exudes a calculated presence, perhaps as the mastermind or financier of this unconventional crew. A mounted deer head on the wall adds a final touch of irony, a nod to hunting as both literal and metaphorical—symbolizing ambition and survival.

The title Chips and Karats encapsulates the duality of the scene: a clever play on words referencing the blend of luxury (diamonds and wealth) and the quirky animated personas involved. It also hints at the high-stakes games of power, negotiation, and indulgence happening in this surreal underworld gathering, honoring the playful but intricate nature of the artwork.