Kolja Kärtner Sainz

Kolja Kärtner Sainz (b.1998) is a German painter based in Leipzig and currently pursuing his Fine Art degree at the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig. In his work, Kolja Kärtner Sainz seeks an ideal intermediate state where representation and abstraction can coexist. Deeply exploring this intersection he tries to freely interpret states of nature and the artificial and not to capture rigid moments, but rather blurs, movements and changes in perception. Working with oil and ink in many layers, his paintings appear to render the conflicting forces of abstraction and figuration intertwined in futuristic states of never ending change. Highlights of his recent exhibitions include: Hypernode, Tabula Rasa Gallery (solo, London, 2024); Solstice Room, Miart DS Galerie (solo, Milan 2024); Forever After, Reuter Bausch Gallery (Luxembourg, 2024); Perpetuum, DS Galerie (solo, Paris, 2023); The Consolation of Clinamen, Tabula Rasa Gallery (Beijing, 2023); Terminus, Spencer Brownstone Gallery (New York, 2023). His works have been featured in the group show, 293.94km, at Frise Künstlerhaus, Hamburg in 2022 and in HGB Leipzig group exhibition, Schauplatz, in 2021. ...

Tabula Rasa Gallery is based in Beijing's 798 art district. Established in 2015, it aims to promote both Chinese and international contemporary artists through exhibitions, talks, research and publication. The gallery name is Latin for 'blank state'. In philosophical discourse, it refers to the idea that our knowledge comes from our experiences and education, all participants are born in a Tabula Rasa state. Tabula Rasa hopes that the exhibitions they present can subvert viewers’ preconceptions, creating conditions for fresh artistic experiments.