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Born in Senegal in 1985, Alioune Diagne had to overcome many obstacles to pursue his artistic passion. Despite limited access to culture in his youth, his precocious talent for drawing was recognized and encouraged by his teachers and those close to him. This recognition sowed the seeds of an artistic vocation that led him to follow his path to the École des Beaux-Arts in Dakar. Before representing Senegal at the Venice Biennale 2024, he presents Seede, his latest exhibition at Galerie Templon.

Alioune Diagne’s immersion in the art world was a decisive turning point, marked by an unwavering commitment to perfecting his art and creating a unique style. The loss of his grandfather, a beloved and respected figure, was the catalyst for a profound artistic evolution. Through his paintings, Alioune found a way to honor his grandfather’s memory by integrating elements of Arabic calligraphy and personal symbolism into his work. This artistic fusion of the abstract and the figurative has given rise to a distinctive style that captivates attention and provokes questioning: Figuro-abstro.

The artist’s thematic collections reflect his sensitivity to contemporary social and environmental issues. From Senegal’s collective memory to rural exodus and pollution, each series of paintings tells a poignant and engaging story.

Through his work, Alioune seeks to raise public awareness of realities that are often overlooked or ignored, such as the clandestine emigration of young Africans in search of a better future. His paintings act as silent witnesses to these struggles and hopes. Alioune Diagne’s quest for meaning and identity is evident in every brushstroke. His commitment to his art goes beyond mere aesthetic creation to become a means of giving voice to the voiceless and reminding the world of the challenges facing many communities.

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American artist Kenny Scharf, born in Hollywood in 1958, is recognized for his distinctive works in the realm of Pop Surrealism, often associated with the Lowbrow art movement. Currently, Scharf’s latest exhibition, Tout Suite, is on display at Galerie Almine Rech.

Scharf’s childhood Saturdays, shaped by the psychedelic lights of early color TVs, inspired his fascination with color. Influenced by iconic cartoons like The Flintstones and The Jetsons, he draws inspiration from the dualities of American suburban life portrayed in these animated series.

Initially aspiring to become a commercial artist specializing in album covers, Scharf’s artistic journey took a transformative turn during his studies in art history. The vibrant art scene of New York, echoing the spirit of Warhol’s Factory, convinced him that the heart of artistic expression beat in the city that never sleeps.

Accepted into the School of Visual Art, Scharf’s path intersected with influential figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. Introduced to street art by Basquiat, and exposed to the energetic East Village scene by Haring, Scharf’s artistic evolution veered away from formal education toward the dynamic city environment.

In the ’80s, Scharf’s distinctive, accessible style garnered widespread acclaim. Emulating Haring, he embraced diverse mediums, marketing his art on T-shirts and various objects to make it universally accessible. To Scharf, art, like music, should be appreciated on multiple levels, from visual pleasure to a profound understanding of the message embedded in the canvas.

Tout Suite, Scharf’s latest exhibition, takes a poignant turn as it delves into environmental urgency and climate change. Through his signature brightly-colored icons, he not only raises awareness but also invites the audience to engage with the playful joy emanating from his canvases and sculptures. Explore the world of Kenny Scharf, where art becomes a medium for both enjoyment and introspection.

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Robin Kid is a versatile Dutch artist born in 1991, excelling in ballpoint pen drawings, oil and tempera paintings, hyper-realistic silicone and bronze sculptures, and captivating installations. His latest exhibition, “Kingdom of Ends,” is on display at Galerie Templon from September 2 to October 21, 2023.

Growing up under the care of his grandparents in a mining community, Robin Kid displayed a remarkable flair for creativity from an early age. Despite his solitary upbringing, he ingeniously constructed imaginative worlds using a treasure trove of objects and toys discovered in his attic, drawing inspiration from TV series and films. His meticulous attention to detail and a talent for crafting immersive experiences permeate his creative pursuits.

As a self-taught artist who left formal education during his teenage years, Kid’s unquenchable thirst for artistic expression led him to explore various techniques independently. His learning journey often involves delving into books or online tutorials, allowing him to master intricate processes. For hyper-realistic sculptures, he immerses himself in the techniques of acclaimed artists like Ron Mueck, Maurizio Cattelan, and Duane Hanson, experimenting with materials and honing his craft.

Robin Kid’s artistic narrative is deeply intertwined with pop culture, particularly the childlike and adolescent realms portrayed in American television. He emerges as a distinctive voice of his generation, shaped by the alternate realities of TV shows where stories conclude optimistically, mirroring the ideals and values of his upbringing. However, his recent exhibitions, like “It’s All Your Fault,” reveal his disillusionment with the hollow promises of the American Dream.

In “Kingdom of Ends,” Robin Kid skillfully appropriates the symbols of mass culture and advertising, creating an immersive theme park experience. These familiar icons, emphasizing universal beauty and kindness, take on new dimensions with the incorporation of objects such as axes and baseball bats. Drawing inspiration from artists like Robert Rauschenberg, Jim Dine, and the German Capitalist Realism movement, his artworks resemble children’s toys or ensembles that provoke introspection among adults.

“Kingdom of Ends” offers an exhibition that blends the enchantment of Walt Disney with the unsettling reality akin to Chris Cunningham’s creations. Kid invites viewers to peek behind the spectacle of contemporary mass culture, social media, round-the-clock news, and the burdens of an uncertain future that weigh heavily on his generation.

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In this conversation, artist Katharina Grosse is interviewed about her career and artistic influences. She discusses her upbringing in a working-class area, which exposed her to art, music, and cultural experiences. Grosse’s affinity for color and her early inspirations, such as Manet and Matisse, are discussed, as well as her experiences in nature and their impact on her perspective and sense of scale. A pivotal moment in Grosse’s career is highlighted when she painted the Green Corner in Bern, which marked a release into a freer way of working in space.

The interview also delves into Grosse’s realization that color is her core medium. She reflects on her decision to use a spray gun, which allowed her to work on uneven surfaces and move more freely in space. Grosse discusses her tactile approach to her artwork, contrasting earlier works where she embedded leaves with her current practice of not physically touching her work with the spray gun. The interview concludes with Grosse reflecting on the independence of painting from its surroundings and the fascination of combining color with functional spaces or objects.

Overall, this conversation highlights Grosse’s journey as an artist and the pivotal moments and influences that have shaped her career. It explores her fascination with color and her exploration of different techniques and approaches to painting. Grosse’s emphasis on the physicality of her artwork and its relationship to space is also discussed. The interview provides insights into Grosse’s artistic process and her ongoing exploration of the possibilities of painting.

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Nathaniel Mary Quinn is an American contemporary artist who explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience. His latest exhibition, “The Forging Years,” reflects on his upbringing in Chicago and the transformative power of art in his life. Quinn’s distinctive style combines portraiture and abstraction to create visually striking compositions that evoke a powerful sense of emotion and vulnerability. Gestalt theory plays a significant role in his artistic practice, as he aims to evoke emotions, provoke introspection, and foster a deeper understanding of the self. At the core of his work is the message of persistence and resilience.

Nathaniel Mary Quinn’s unique style of combining portraiture and abstraction creates a sense of intrigue and emotion that draws the viewer in. His use of gestalt theory is a testament to his understanding of the human psyche and his ability to provoke introspection. “The Forging Years” exhibition is a touching reflection on how art has helped him navigate his life’s challenges. Through his artwork, Quinn encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and find strength in their own resilience. His work serves as a reminder that despite life’s struggles, we can persist and overcome.