Exhibition: Recreating Vermeer, answering the big questions

German artist debuts collection as an ode to the Dutch artist.


Our Correspondent April 20, 2012

ISLAMABAD:


German born Husemann uses oil on “cardboard” pieces to answer a question that has nagged her for years, “what is a picture?”


In her work currently exhibiting at Nomad Gallery, Susanne Husemann has tried to recreate the split second of serenity captured by 17th century Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer.

She strives to question the very notion of defining things, people, places and even situations.

Though her work mostly involves recreating classic Vermeer paintings, including “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” or “The Lacemaker”, she paints them with her own perceptions. Striving to identify the exact moment of connection between the master painter and his subject, Husemann’s answers to her actions are simple. “Everyone is always drawn towards the eyes, I wanted to take that away and have people concentrate on something else,” she said.

The use of cardboard as the chosen material is also of course not without reasons-- “I want my art to be more approachable.”

While pointing to letters imprinted on the cardboard that can be seen underneath the paint (which is intentional), she says that the
letters remind of the fact that everything has a history behind it and a story to tell.

Using soft yellows, whites and greens with a light blue grey hue acting as the base for her pieces, she adds a touch of spice with a dash of bright red that blends in easily with the otherwise bold brush strokes.

Fifteen smaller pieces, part of the “stills” on wood series are also showcased. The exhibition continues till May 3.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 20th, 2012.

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