Conversation Pieces explores the work of contemporary artist Alexander Gorlizki alongside historical Indian miniature paintings, on loan from London-based dealer Francesca Galloway. Long interested in looking at artworks in dialogue with objects that share stylistic, formal or conceptual relationships, this is the first time Gorlizki’s work will be shown with examples of the historic works that have been at the root of his practice for over 25 years. Gorlizki’s contemporary paintings are distinct in their subject matter and unique creative process, yet they share techniques, materials and overall sensibilities with the historic miniatures.
Integral to Gorlizki’s practice is his atelier; a group of traditional artisans led by Riyaz Uddin, with whom Gorlizki has worked for 26 years. First, Gorlizki formalises his visual language and imagery - the iconography, spacial relationships, patterns and colours - after which he sends the works to India, where they are meticulously hand-painted in Jaipur by Riyaz and his studio. The works are then sent back and forth numerous times between Jaipur and Gorlizki’s Brooklyn studio, as the work is refined, or during periods Alexander visits the studio in Rajasthan. This collaborative, creative to-and-fro can last four to five years as a work goes through various incarnations until Gorlizki considers it complete.
Gorlizki’s works reflect the many ways he has been influenced by these historical progenitors, in some instances by particular historical paintings included in the exhibition, and more generally by the varied schools and traditions from which they themselves have evolved. There is invariably an element of harvesting and extraction from the historical work; of forms, motifs, colour relationships, and a certain mindset. This exhibition is an insightful and compelling opportunity to see them in parallel.
Please contact the gallery for available works.
