She then paints in gouache and subtle, muted washes of watercolor, layering translucent pigments atop inked renderings of landscapes, mythical hybrid creatures, and patterns of foliage. The Mumbai-born artist manifests these same qualities in her practice, creating works that expertly translate concepts and themes through her own idiosyncratic allusions. Beginning with hours of study, research, and reading on an eclectic array of topics, Merchant tends to hone in on an image that she sketches onto sheets of paper, sometimes folded into generous rectangles or triangles. “I love seeing the artist’s hand in the work-I have a huge appreciation for small details and works that draw from a multitude of references-literary, mythical, and visual.” “I’m drawn to works that are rich in symbolism and also have a strong element of storytelling,” says Rithika Merchant. “The Inner Sanctum” (2022), gouache, watercolor, and ink on paper, 100 x 70 centimeters All images © Rithika Merchant, courtesy of Galerie LJ, shared with permission Senoner is currently working toward exhibitions in early 2023 in Italy and Belgium, and you can find more on his website and Instagram. The feathers create layers, “like an intangible and delicate skin or shell that still is able to confine and shield the represented individual from the outside world.” Contrasting textures and associations of materials like ancient walnut, beeswax, or lichen parallels his interest in the dualities of interior and exterior experiences. “Feathers have a very strong symbolism, and they are an integral part of rituals and celebrations in many cultures, where they represent lightness and freedom,” he tells Colossal. Many reference figures from classical art history in another nod to the passing of time. Intricately detailed, life-like body parts sprout thorns, mimic a felled tree, or appear from beneath a cocoon-like cloak of organic material. “The essence of the wood also has a strong influence a walnut sculpture, for example, takes twice as long as one made of lime wood,” he explains. Senoner carefully forms the contours of muscles and limbs in response to the natural grain of each piece of wood, and works can take several weeks to complete. The Florence-based artist explores layers of history by working with materials that are rich in cultural significance, incorporating textures like thorns or spikes, insect-bored timber, or saturated paint that induces tension. “I focus my research on a series of main themes, including metamorphosis, heritage, and stratification,” he tells Colossal. Seemingly transfixed in time during a mysterious process of transformation, Andreas Senoner’s mixed-media sculptures capture expressive details in human figures and gestures. All images © Andreas Senoner, shared with permission
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