Victoria Miro

Udomsak Krisanamis

02 - 27 Sep 2008

© Udomsak Krisanamis
Bottom of the Ocean, 2008
mixed media on canvas
121.9 x 76.2 x 4.4 cm
UDOMSAC KRISANAMIS

Krisanamis' practice has long been characterised by his specific use of collage, creating densely obsessive patterns made from newspaper, noodles, cellophane and paint. Possessing a distinct formal and conceptual clarity, the paintings offer a unique experimentation with the well-worn territories of the grid yet refuse to adhere to any particular context or influence. In these new works the artist has introduced what he describes as 'shims', wedges of found material embedded between layers of acrylic paint and New York Times clippings. Together with the use of his 'colours of the moment' - hazard yellows & fluorescent greens - the paintings evoke the artifice of the urban landscape.

The installation in the front gallery consists of a number of short quick-time films, viewed through small peepholes. Taking the form of a visual diary, these filmic interludes include typical New York City street scenes, travels by road, rail and air, relentless games of ping pong, Bangkok food vendors, and a journey made by the artist to his father's home. Viewed against a soundscape of radio, car stereo and muted conversation the effect is one of both familiarity and disorientation. In keeping with the artist's agenda for his paintings, the work is enigmatic and resistant to easy interpretation.
 

Tags: Udomsak Krisanamis