MonthlyFeature

This Is It, 2017
polystyrene foam, fiberglass, epoxy resin, autolacquer

6.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (16.51 x 16.51 x 16.51 cm)

 

 

Featured in the off tracking seminal show "See a Penny", at the artist run Klaus Von Nichtssagend Gallery in the LES area of New York's Manhattan, "This is it" embodies almost all of Thomas Øvlisen's trademarks as an artist. Not only the high polished auto lacquer and foam base and in that the use of childhood memories, but also the more recent scouring of cultural detritus. In the vein of to-go cups, plastic bottles and other modern day everyday relics "This Is It" is shaped by a lunch box container and expansion foam.

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While at work on this exhibition, spraying a purple metallic coat, Øvlisen suddenly remembered his older sisters boy friend sanding and spraying his moped gas tank that exact same color. Having worked with auto lacquer and sanding since 2000, it is safe to say that it wasn't planed or thought off, but more a deep inner urge to be like this iconic figure in his childhood. Øvlisen firmly believes that he can find this sanctuary from chilhood in his process and that it will transmit it self through the art works to the spectator.

 

It is a part of his Techno Fossil series. The square base and spheric upper half is a luring visual oxymoron and the satiated mulit layered autolacquer paint is evidence of the time spent creating this sculpture that has more in common with a sublime landscape painting, than a 2 metric ton iron sculpture or other spectacles you so often find in galleries in New York these days.

 

These sculpture are small and meant to be handled. To be picked up and studied. They are delicate, yet tough. Dense but super light. 

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Below are more images from the exhibition. Please contact Sam Wilson at Klaus Gallery.