VIKTORS SVIKIS Project Pegasus
Galerie Michaela Stock
15 days left
The latest exhibition by emerging Latvian painter Viktors Svikis explores the complex layers of the human psyche. Titled Project Pegasus, Svikis presents a series of new oil paintings that focus on internal conflicts and the search for identity.
Pegasus, a symbol of inspiration and overcoming challenges, serves as the foundation for a philosophical reflection on the dynamics of emotions, fears, and the quest for self-understanding.
Svikis draws on a wide range of psychological concepts, examining how inner contradictions and the pursuit of harmony shape human existence.
The color palettes and compositions in his works are both intentional and challenging. They capture the tensions and ambiguities within each individual. Dark tones, representing the shadowy aspects of human life, are contrasted with bright, piercing colors that symbolize hope and transcendence. This dual approach to form and color creates a visual language that encourages reflection while also stirring an emotional response.
Horse with faintly sketched wings
A central piece in the exhibition is a large painting of a horse with faintly sketched wings, symbolizing the dream of escape and the magic of defying gravity—a tool for freedom and flight. The barely outlined wings represent untapped potential and creative longing. Alongside this is a smaller painting that depicts a fragment of the larger work, raising questions about details versus the whole: How do these fragments influence our understanding of ourselves and the world?
Nostalgic Memories of Secret Smoking in Adolescence
Another artwork portrays a young man smoking a cigarette. The neon phrase "Sweet Memories" on a dark wall evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of the first childhood prohibitions from adults forbidding smoking—a symbol of early limitations on freedom. This piece touches on both the "bittersweet memories" of youth and the early rebellion against restrictions.
candy land
In "Candy Land," a chair draped in American flag-themed underwear sits at the center, creating an intriguing juxtaposition between the familiar and the absurd. This unexpected element invites viewers to contemplate themes of identity, consumerism, and cultural commentary. Surrounding the chair are various objects, including a frog, which adds an air of mystery and whimsy.
The painting is filled with details that reward close inspection, each element contributing to a larger narrative.
low expectations
This evocative scene captures a humorous yet pointed commentary: a real dog curiously attempts to mate with a Jeff Koons dog sculpture, embodying a clash between high art and raw instinct. The result, however, is a reminder of unmet expectations—no "Koons baby dogs" will emerge from this union. This juxtaposition of the organic and the artificial, the absurd hope versus reality, humorously highlights themes of futility and misplaced aspirations in both art and life.
FIT - push-ups on a stack of books
A woman is performing push-ups on a stack of books, her bare body exposed and her attention focused on her mobile phone. FIT is boldly marked across her shoulders. The work creates a powerful commentary on the pressures of fitness culture, self-image, and the often blurred lines between self-discipline and societal expectations. This image captures the defiant strength of a feminist woman, challenging traditional norms and highlighting the complexities of modern empowerment and self-perception.
