He Who Sings Is Not Always Happy

About

Using details from the paintings of Pierre Bonnard, Dutch artist Marijn van Kreij has produced a new series of artworks for the exhibition 'He Who Sings Is Not Always Happy' at ANDOR. The title is taken from the phrase as written by Bonnard in his diary on January 17, 1944. Van Kreij's paintings are all based on reproductions of Bonnard's work printed in the book Pierre Bonnard: The Work of Art, Suspending Time, and, although they might concern painting, are not a commentary on the paintings of Bonnard. These new works do not attempt to copy the original details. The detail is only a starting point, an abstract image from which to begin. With the process of repetition van Kreij focuses on differences and 'flaws'. Each act is essentially unique, a one-off, with the artist concentrating on the action itself and 'the sensation of its own realisation'. In addition to the paintings produced van Kreij presents chairs brought from his own studio, his personal audio equipment and turntable, and one record. Visitors to the gallery are invited to play the record, 'These Days' by Nico, whilst viewing the exhibition.