The sand, the line and the consequences. The artist's continuously evolving oeuvre consists of lush abstract paintings of dichromatic calligraphic-like writings and monochromatic geometric motifs of a more structured nature.
coun-ter-point- \'kaûn-tər-,pôint\
1a: one or more independent melodies added above or below a given melody b: the combination of two or more independent melodies into a single harmonic texture in which each retains its linear character polyphony 2a: a complementing or contrasting item: opposite b: use of a contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (as a drama)
Sara Tecchia Roma New York is extremely pleased to present the New York solo debut exhibition of new quartz sand paintings by Swiss-based artist, Karina Wisniewska.
Wisniewska was formally trained in both classical music, as well as fine arts in Austria and Switzerland. After an ill-fated accident ended her career as an established concert pianist, Wisniewska turned to painting with quartz sand as a means for the visual expression of rhythm and musicality. The artist describes her works as "sound pictures".
Wisniewska's continuously evolving oeuvre consists of lush abstract paintings of dichromatic calligraphic-like writings and monochromatic geometric motifs of a more structured nature. The artist gives chance plenty of "free rein" but states, "I constantly intervene in a consciously ordered fashion by keeping the wrist flexible and varying the pressure and speed. "Yet, the works appear deceivingly spontaneous with overlapping lines that free flow like a piece of music: chance occurrences and intentions mingle freely. To achieve the tactile sensation Wisniewska employs a meticulous process "by tying a small bottle of acrylic paint mixed with lacquer to the brush so the paint flow never ceases," and must overcome the challenges this presents. "I paint free hand without the aid of rulers or compasses directly on the canvas. The difficulty is that the time to fill the paint with quartz sand is very short" and requires extreme precision.
Johann Sebastian Bach and John Cage, both masters of counterpoint, are the main sources of inspiration for Wisniewska's entire artistic output. The artist seeks to reduce her paintings to only the most essential embellishments (Cage), while harmonizing the divisions (Bach). Thus, Wisniewska's visual rhythm is the product of two opposing poles; the random and the intentional; the line and the space; the positive and the negative; the counterpoint.
Wisniewska's work can be found in the UBS collection in Zurich, Switzerland, the Musee Abbatiale de Payerne, Switzerland and in numerous established private collections. The paintings have also been presented at Art Basel Miami, Art Cologne, ArteFiera Bologna, Scope New York, Art Dubai and Art Shanghai among others.
Opening december 18th, 2008
Sara Tecchia Roma New York
529 West 20th Street - New York
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm or by appointment.
Free admission