NILS STÆRK is proud to announce that we will be participating in this year's Zona Maco, February 7 — 11.
The gallery presents a solo presentation by Michael Kvium.
Please find a link to the preview here
Danish artist Michael Kvium has persistently portrayed the follies of humanity for over four decades across various mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, film, and performance. His artistic exploration delves deep into all facets of life, particularly those aspects humanity tends to suppress. While the concealed reality remains acknowledged, Kvium's distinct portrayals have left a profound mark in art history and in the minds of viewers.
The six captivating oil paintings showcased at ZSONAMACO 2024 illustrate the unfolding of Kvium's compelling narratives. Upon examining works like Enlightenment or Double Tale, viewers may immerse themselves in scenes reminiscent of a carefully orchestrated play, captivated by transformative interpretations. The depicted figures emerge against monochrome backgrounds, evoking the meticulous staging of performers, complemented by props such as an unlit candle, a cowboy hat, or long black gloves—each laden with profound symbolism but left to the viewer’s discernment.
Within his artworks, Kvium consistently sparks associative thinking, prompting recognition of familiar situations within oneself or in others. His creations possess the ability to evoke memories and encourage viewers to contemplate their own existence and potential within the world. The works paradoxically elicit feelings of both enthusiasm and disgust, with their expression seamlessly navigating between abstraction and realism, potentially leaving an indelible mark in one's consciousness.
Kvium's narrative paintings, resonant with a theatrical performance, unfold on a stage from the rise of the theater curtain to its fall, mirroring the trajectory of life from birth to death. This theatrical quality is deeply rooted in his early engagement with performance art in the 1980s, seamlessly connecting his visual works to the realm of performance. As Kvium poses critical questions about the rise and fall of Western civilization, the theatricality in his oeuvre mirrors the course of life, inviting viewers to engage in profound introspection.
Throughout his artistic journey, a persistently powerful expression has been the driving force behind Kvium's work, continuously serving as an evocative invitation to reflect on the profound questions of existence.