Colliding Forces: The Artistic Fusion of Jan Kalab and Katrin Fridriks in 'The Perfect Storm
ART
Exploring the Fusion of Contrasts and Shared Creativity in Abstract Art
8 MINS READ TIME
Words By RICHARD O’NEAL
Photography by PETR HRICKO
In art, collaborations often serve as a powerful catalyst for innovation and exploring new artistic territories. When Jan Kalab, known for his meticulously prepared abstract creations, joined forces with Katrin Fridriks, renowned for her spontaneous and dynamic art, the stage was set for a genuinely intriguing artistic journey. Their collaboration, aptly named "The Perfect Storm," defied expectations, transcended traditional creative boundaries, and propelled their work to new heights.
At first glance, it may seem that Jan Kalab and Katrin Fridriks couldn't be more different. Their art practices, characterized by contrasting approaches and techniques, seemed worlds apart. Kalab's methodical preparation clashed with Fridriks' spontaneous style. They hailed from different genders and backgrounds, embodying the perfect opposites. However, amidst these apparent disparities, they discovered significant similarities that laid the foundation for their captivating collaboration. Both artists delved into abstraction, employing bold and vibrant colors to breathe life into their works. Kalab's art explored abstract space and the interplay between internal and external tensions, while Fridriks' unique splashes embodied abstract figures. These shared elements offered a promising framework for a collaboration that could yield remarkable artistic synergy.
As the creative storm unfolded, Jan Kalab and Katrin Fridriks immersed themselves in a whirlwind of artistic dialogue. Initially envisioning just one or two collaborative paintings, they quickly succumbed to the allure of the creative process. Ideas flowed, inspiration struck, and they embarked on a journey that resulted in more than twenty collaborative works. However, objectivity and discernment prevailed during the revision process. Only the artworks that resonated with both artists made the final cut for the exhibition, with the less impactful pieces slated for future recreation or disposal. This meticulous approach ensured that only the most remarkable expressions of their collaborative spirit would grace the public eye.
For Jan Kalab, the collaboration offered a unique opportunity to transcend his artistic comfort zone. Engaging in a continuous dialogue and respectfully responding to someone else's creation posed a profound challenge. The most formidable obstacle he encountered was painting another artist's work. The delicate balance of preserving the integrity of Fridriks' art while infusing it with his vision required utmost care and precision.
The results of their collaboration diverged from the initial expectations, taking them on an unexpected artistic journey. The exchange of ideas and the creation of mockups on the computer set the stage for their collaboration. However, the unpredictable nature of Fridriks' splashes demanded flexibility that necessitated a departure from their original plans. Each unique splash called for different actions and responses from Jan Kalab's side, injecting an exciting element of adaptability into the creative process.
Collaborating with an artist, one has only met once before yet knows, follows, and respects presents a unique and intimate experience. Jan Kalab likens the language of art to jazz musicians, capable of meeting for the first time and jamming effortlessly all night. However, the collaborative process in art demands an even deeper level of trust and respect. Allowing another artist to enter the private realm of one's creation requires an unwavering sense of integrity and trust. In the case of Jan Kalab and Katrin Fridriks, these crucial elements laid the foundation for the success of their collaboration.
While Jan Kalab does not believe the collaboration will fundamentally alter his artistic practice, it offered a refreshing opportunity to step outside his comfort zone and revel in the joy of creating something remarkable. The collaboration served as a reminder of the boundless potential for growth and exploration beyond the confines of familiarity.
The city of Basel played an integral role in Jan Kalab's artistic journey. Basel, renowned for hosting the prestigious Art Basel fair, provided a unique backdrop for showcasing their work. The city's amalgamation of financial and political influences propelled it to the forefront of the art world, making it an ideal location for its exhibition. Based in Basel, BC Gallery offered a remarkable opportunity to showcase their collaborative endeavors alongside the world's most significant art fair.
Jan Kalab's artistic expression navigates the fine line between painting and sculpture, blurring the boundaries between the two forms. While he doesn't approach his art with a predetermined intention to straddle this line, his work naturally gravitates toward the edge of technique where painting merges with sculpture. Engaging with illustrations often sparks thoughts about three-dimensionality, just as sculptural endeavors provoke considerations of color and its significance.
In Jan Kalab's art, shape and color take center stage, working together to create a unique visual experience. The silhouette of the painting becomes an integral part of the artwork's motive, with color following the contours of the shape. Despite his work's minimal and abstract nature, the shape evokes concrete subjects, while color injects specific emotions. The amalgamation of form and color culminates in a final impression that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.
Jan Kalab's artistic process draws inspiration from nature's grandeur and the cosmos' mysteries. Contemplating the techniques and intricacies of the natural world instills in him a profound sense of the universal code that underlies all things. Through his art, he aspires to capture and mimic the breathtaking beauty of the universe in its myriad forms, recognizing that it remains an elusive dream to replicate its splendor fully.
In pursuing his goal of capturing universal beauty from an unseen and novel perspective, Jan Kalab challenges traditional notions of representation in art. Throughout history, artists have sought to capture reality and its inherent beauty. Abstract artists of the past have forged new principles to define their abstract truths, and Jan Kalab stands as a torchbearer of this lineage. His aspiration to create art universally appreciated, even by alien civilizations, underscores the profound and boundary-pushing nature of his artistic approach.
Jan Kalab's artistic practice ventures beyond the traditional realm of canvas and painting. Creating custom-sized organic-shaped frames for his acrylic paintings adds a dimension of aesthetic impact to his work. Starting with drawings on paper, he meticulously transfers the designs to digital curves, exporting G-code for Computer Numerical Control machines. The frames are then precisely cut from plywood, their edges constructed, and the canvas stretched over them. This meticulous process results in the emergence of a perfect surface, enhancing the overall aesthetic impact of his artwork.
Furthermore, Jan Kalab's artistic journey encompasses exploring diverse materials such as wood, resin, and bronze to create sculptures. Each material contributes unique characteristics and haptic qualities to the final expression of his artistic vision. The process of sculpting transcends the complexity of the painting, demanding an increased level of effort and work. However, the outcome of a sculpture, standing on its own, possesses a powerful presence that engages the viewer on a multisensory level.
In line with the ever-evolving digital landscape, Jan Kalab has embraced the importance of working in virtual space. Translating physical art into digital forms, such as augmented realities and animated Non-Fungible Tokens, expands the horizons of his artistic expression. Through these digital mediums, he can imbue his paintings with the sense of movement he envisions, bringing his static artworks to life. In the boundless realm of digital space, the limitations of physicality dissolve, allowing for unparalleled creativity and innovation.
Incorporating the digital dimension into Jan Kalab's artistic practice transforms the experience of his artwork, although the full potential of augmented reality is yet to be fully realized. Technical limitations on devices currently hinder the optimal enjoyment of AR. As technology advances, bridging the gap between digital and physical realities, the true transformative power of this digital dimension will come to fruition. Jan Kalab's recent foray into creating shapes in virtual reality and translating them into physical form through 3D printing or CNC milling hints at the potential future direction of his artistic evolution.
In conclusion, Jan Kalab and Katrin Fridriks' collaboration, aptly titled "The Perfect Storm," transcends the boundaries of their contrasting artistic practices. By fusing their divergent styles, they created a beautiful body of work that defied expectations and pushed the boundaries of creative expression. Jan Kalab's exploration of shape, color, nature, and the cosmos has enriched his creative journey, infusing his creations with a profound sense of depth and meaning. Embracing both the physical and digital dimensions, his art continues to evolve, challenging traditional notions and inviting viewers into a realm where imagination and creativity know no bounds.
