I’m pleased to invite you to HANDS IN THE GARDEN,
a duo show of John van ‘t Slot and myself at Yellow Gallery in Leiden.
The exhibition will be on view in the salon of the villa ‘t Kasteeltje
on June 7, 8 and 9, with an opening reception on June 7 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.
“It is not that the meaning cannot be explained. But there are certain meanings that are lost forever the moment they are explained in words.”
– Haruki Murakami – Q1084
Julia Kaiser’s artistic oeuvre unfolds as a rich tapestry of personal narratives, akin to ancient cartographic journeys through the labyrinth of her psyche. Each piece, meticulously crafted, invites viewers on a visual expedition, where assembled images serve as waypoints through the artist’s inner landscape.
At the heart of Kaiser’s work lies her distinctive use of dotted lines, a motif that serves as both a structural element and a symbolic conduit. These lines, reminiscent of urban grids or interwoven bead strings, create a framework that guides the viewer’s gaze, offering glimpses into the artist’s thought process. In her earlier works, the lines form closed chains akin to city maps, evoking a sense of navigation through familiar landscapes and cityscapes.
The evolution of Kaiser’s aesthetic reaches its zenith in her “Extended Travels” series, a visual homage to her explorations of Japan. Here, motifs drawn from Japanese temples and landscapes abound, with recurring imagery of Ginkgo leaves and ginger roots. The serene tranquility of Japanese gardens permeates these works, with echoes of Zen Buddhist philosophy reverberating through the composition. Rocks and flowing water, reminiscent of Zen gardens, mingle with the organic textures of wood and bamboo, creating a harmonious fusion of natural elements.
The influence of aged print techniques and Japanese woodblock prints is palpable in Kaiser’s work, infusing her compositions with a sense of timeless elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Drawing from the rich tradition of printmaking, Kaiser employs techniques such as layering and texture manipulation to create depth and complexity within her pieces. Echoes of Japanese woodblock prints resonate in her attention to detail and fluid lines, evoking a sense of tranquility and harmony. Through the interplay of light and shadow, Kaiser pays homage to the aesthetic principles of these venerable art forms, weaving a narrative that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to the universal language of beauty.
In her latest series, Julia Kaiser draws inspiration from the lush gardens of Piet Oudolf, renowned for their naturalistic beauty. Kaiser’s canvases burst forth with exuberant blooms and verdant foliage, capturing the essence of dynamic
landscapes. Through meticulous brushwork, she invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world where nature reigns supreme, paying homage to the transformative power of botanical beauty.
