About

 

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've exhibited subtle yet provocatively honest figurative paintings through many subsequent collections. I have 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, and exploring a more direct application of the frequencies apparent in the work. 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 over 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 am currently in the process of publishing a deck of 49 “Oracle Cards” that developed from these tests. This grew out of intuitively reading these cards for people from a test deck, with very satisfying results. 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 next show entitled, ‘Gates & Bridges’ will open at the Mycelium Space on 18th May 2024, in Frome, Somerset. 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 a short process film from my video diary archive, to mark the completion of each large canvas. The canvas I am working on now is the largest so far and I’m looking forward to taking the film production process to the next level for this one.

www.youtube.com/@gallerykirsh5327
www.instagram.com/nikhilkirsh

 

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