Laura Krick | Shake. Crank. See.
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THIS Gallery 268 Keefer Street (Sun Wah Centre, Lower Ground Level, #30E), Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 1X5
Laura Krick, “Shake. Crank. See.,” 2024
(courtesy of the Artist and the Gallery)
Contemporary painter Laura Krick unveils her latest exhibition, Shake. Crank. See., a sensory journey that blends personal and collective experiences into a dynamic visual narrative. This captivating showcase invites visitors to explore the intricate interplay of colours, shapes, and light, inspired by the timeless magic of the kaleidoscope.
Laura Krick's creative process begins with a camera and a keen eye for the often overlooked. Whether it's the subtle hues of the sky, the playful dance of light on a sidewalk, or the vibrant textures of Lynn Canyon's green pools, Krick captures these fleeting moments and integrates them into her paintings. Her work is not just a personal reflection but a tapestry woven with shared experiences, like the image her father sent from a Costa Rican cave or vintage photographs discovered in thrift store bins.
Shake. Crank. See. draws inspiration from the kaleidoscope, a childhood favourite toy for Krick, serving as a metaphor for the fragmented yet beautiful complexity of human experience. This theme resonates deeply with her own life, from her sensitivity to sensory stimuli due to undiagnosed autism to her vivid "Kaleidoscope vision" experienced during migraines with auras.
In this exhibition, Krick combines diverse fragments – from art deco and op art to brutalist architecture and everyday objects like the siding of an East Vancouver façade or a swirl of sour cream in borscht – to create a harmonious and visually striking whole. Each painting is a testament to the beauty found in juxtaposition and the continuous transformation of perception.
Adding an interactive dimension to the exhibition, Krick has crafted custom kaleidoscopes for visitors to use. These devices allow guests to view the paintings, each other, and their surroundings through a new lens, ensuring a unique and personal experience for everyone who steps into the gallery. By looking through these kaleidoscopes, visitors will see a constantly shifting world, much like the ever-changing nature of Krick’s artwork.