This atmospheric black-and-white image depicts a dimly lit, industrial-looking interior space. The composition is characterized by a sense of depth and layered structures, with a central vertical element that appears to be some kind of mechanical structure or pipe. The overall aesthetic conveys a gritty, weathered quality, with a rough, textured surface and a somber, moody tone. The artist's use of chiaroscuro lighting creates dramatic contrasts between light and shadow, adding to the brooding, mysterious atmosphere of the scene. While the specific subject matter is not entirely clear, the image suggests a sense of industrial decay or abandoned infrastructure, inviting the viewer to ponder the history and function of this enigmatic space. ...
Maren Karlson’s artistic inquiry delves deeply into the entwined relationships between the human body, its surroundings, and the invisible systems that seek to regulate both. Her work uncovers the tangible remnants left by these controlling forces, exposing their inherent contradictions and illuminating the fragile, often blurred line between what is natural and what is constructed. Karlson's paintings often feature sinuous, aerodynamic forms that evoke bodily cavities or subterranean landscapes. She employs chiaroscuro techniques to create depth and mystery, suggesting inaccessibility and the unknown. Her use of smooth, rounded shapes and nocturnal color palettes invites contemplation on the interplay between light, shadow, and form. In her sculptural works, Karlson continues this exploration, creating pieces that challenge perceptions of space and form. Her sculptures often incorporate elements that suggest both organic growth and mechanical structures, blurring the lines between the natural and the artificial. Through her interdisciplinary approach, Karlson invites viewers to consider the complexities of the systems that shape our world and our bodies, encouraging a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. ...
Hannah Hoffman, Los Angeles opened in May 2013. The gallery maintains a program of international contemporary artists alongside historical exhibitions with a particular focus on feminist and conceptual practices.
