Katrin Fridriks: Macrocosm

About

In her newest works, Katrin Fridriks develops a method that involves a precise, single splash that is both bodily and conceptual in action. Contrastingly, in her 2014 installation 'Perception of the Stendhal Syndrome - Gene&Ethics Master Prism', the canvas is worked on laboriously, with the artist applying layers of black and white paint that transform into what appears to be an explosion. The role of the magnifying glass in the installation is to enhance the intensity of the experience of being overwhelmed by the artwork, evoking a phenomenon that is called 'beauty nausea.' The two dichotomies contained within the gallery space represent the elusive philosophical idea of macrocosm with one canvas being a micro particle of the other. The micro-levels enabled by a magnifying glass give way to explore what seems to be an organic materiality of works.

'Macrocosm', originating from Ancient Greek philosophy, refers to everything that exists, an infinite, complex structure that can be regarded as a universe, or the cosmos. The microcosm, however, is just a small representative part of it. Since the time of Plato, human imagination has been drawn to an idea of an analogy between the macro and the microcosm. Thus 'as above, so below' was a leading motto in the doctrine of 'correspondences' between the two dimensions.

The painting method mastered by Katrin Fridriks has the potential to trigger nature-like processes that give her canvases a unique, almost fractal-like depth. Fridriks' paintings unfold in front of our eyes to reveal new perspectives the closer we look. The spatial arrangement of this show invites viewers to participate, to adopt various viewpoints, and to realize micro and macro perspectives through the magnifying glass.

A book signing with the artist will be held at the gallery during the opening. Katrin Fridriks will sign copies of her first monograph that was published by Skira. The installation 'Perception of the Stendhal Syndrome - Gene&Ethics Master Prism', which will be exhibited at Lazarides Rathbone, appears on the cover of this long awaited publication.

Notes to Editors

About Katrin Fridriks

Born in 1974 in Reykjavik, Iceland, Katrin Fridriks is an abstract conceptual painter, living and working in Luxembourg. She fuses the natural energies of her native Iceland with an explosive, organic, abstract expressionism and subtle Japanese calligraphy elements. Often presented through installations & visual compositions, she is giving an architectural dimension to her paintings.

Through a wide range of works, Katrin Fridriks communicates her questioning of the world, human life and the future. Based on an endless exercise on the matter & technique, some of her series are constantly reworked, making her paintings evolve. Recent works include perspective studies of her black & white series, "Gene&Ethics" and "Stendhal Syndrome", as well as "Crayons" and "Awareness" works that gave birth to the "Riding Awareness" series.

Her process brings her to the enlargement of drippings and flows, from singular strokes to the whole canvas, creating a zoom effect, which is referring to the aesthetics of macro photography. By creating these new perspectives, Katrin Fridriks' work brings an innovative dimension to the abstraction.

Internationally exhibited (London, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles…), she has received high-profile grants from the Ministry of Culture, Higher Education & Research in Luxembourg in 2009, the French government for the Olympic Stadium of Nîmes in 2007, and from private Companies such as the Goss-Michael Foundation for the MTV Re-define project in 2011 and 2014, Ralph Lauren Foundation in 2010, the Biennial of Liverpool and the Icelandic Art Center in 2008.

This year, the artist has been commissioned by CAB apart to produce a specific installation in one of their buildings in Luxembourg (rue Philippe II). The commission consists of reproducing her artworks on glass in light box and will be made with Franz Mayer of Munich, Inc.

About Lazarides

Working outside conventional practice and the contemporary art system, Lazarides welcomes a broad audience to an extensive exhibition programme, supporting the work of a group of artists who collectively defy categorization.

Founded a decade ago in 2006 by Steve Lazarides, the gallery represents some of the most distinctive and innovative artists working today. While Lazarides is considered the international market leader in what is dubbed urban art, contemporary figurative painting, interactive installations, sculptures, and video work all feature heavily on the exhibition calendar.

Lazarides Rathbone has been the flagship gallery since May 2009, set in the heart of London's Fitzrovia in a four-storey former gin palace. In addition to the gallery schedule Lazarides are recognised for their dedication to producing a range of unique off-site events, encompassing shows in New York and Los Angeles as well as global art fairs and large-scale group exhibitions.

Alongside the launch of the new print studio and online store, 2014 saw the opening of the Lazarides Editions at Mondrian London on the South Bank. Lazarides Editions presents a comprehensive schedule of bespoke exhibitions, limited edition print releases and a revolving curation of editioned artwork.