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I am from UK, but emerged with some public recognition in 2011 in Reykjavik, Iceland with my first solo show entitled, “TRANSGRESS, ramma fyrir ramma” (frame to frame). Since then, I exhibited subtle yet provocatively honest figurative paintings through many subsequent collections. I also had a strong affinity with Icelandic artists, resulting in sculptural and theatrical collaborations. Most of the press coverage I have received has been in Reykjavik.

 

More recently, since my return to UK in 2016, I have been exploring dimensions of consciousness, from existential ‘separateness’ to deeper and more intimate expressions of unity. This journey has marked a significant shift towards a deeper mysticism in my work.

 

I currently work with combinations of geometric form on canvas. In alchemical terms they function much like machines that hold in their opening forms, transformative energies. I am intrigued mostly by the potential effect each composition has on me and the viewer. I believe there are ways of facilitating a more direct transfer of these energies to the viewer. I will be carrying out this research for the foreseeable future.

 

I work on large scale canvases and have been spending up to a year on each piece. This process seems to be speeding up. When I am guided to apply a mark, or line or some form, the painting moves to a new stage that seems to reflect something that is developing in my personal process of self-discovery. These movements seem to happen beyond my will or intention. It feels like I get told what to do. These moments of directional clarity are always dependent on some sort of awakening or realisation that has occurred in my meditations.

 

Between these stages I work on a smaller scale, testing various geometric ideas and symbolic forms with natural substances that I use to paint with. Each substance seems to offer a different feeling and various combinations of these substances play a significant role in the overall effect of each piece. Sometimes these tests inform the next stage on the main painting I’m working on, adding up to a kind of language that guides my reflective development.

 

I have recently completed a deck of 49 “Alchemy Cards”, based on these tests, with an accompanying book of notes on each card, soon to be published. This project came from intuitively reading these cards for people with a test deck. Somehow I was able to provide a more direct personal experience of their chosen image, and as a result realised that I was beginning to find ways of facilitating the transference of the frequencies in the work.

 

My last show was entitled, ‘Gates & Bridges’. This theme is based on the idea that, the Self is a portal or gateway to Divinity, and the paintings are bridges to that level of Self.

 

For some years now, I have recorded my processes and conversations on video, sharing these experiences as I go on social media. A big part of my reflective practice is to put together short process films from my video diary archive, to mark the completion of each large canvas.

 

 

www.youtube.com/@gallerykirsh5327

www.instagram.com/nikhilkirsh

 

 

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