We are proud to announce our next major solo show, Geef Me Nog Een Kus, featuring new works from Dutch artist Handiedan, which is set to premiere December 14th in the Main Gallery.
Handiedan’s art involves a complex cut-and-paste mixture of hand-drawn, digital, and highly detailed sculptural hand-cut collages, complemented by conscientiously collected antique ornamental frames. The artist’s accomplished and refined mixed media techniques allow her to create an artistic journey through past, present, and future. The result is a kaleidoscopic visual exploration whose discoveries are sometimes immediately visible and sometimes hidden in plain sight.
Regarding her new works, Handiedan shares, “The title of my new exhibition, Geef me nog een kus (translated as ‘Give me another kiss’), is derived from one of the artworks featured in the show [image on attached evite above]. This exhibition marks a return to my roots, filled with personal and family items, such as school notes and memories of my late cat, Cactus. This year has been marked by loss, saying goodbye, and finding peace in the center. Themes of processing, the 'circle of life,' space-time, and rebirth are central to my artwork.
My fascination with the infinitely small in quantum physics and the infinitely large in cosmology remains a constant theme. Humanity is just a link in this vast universe, where everything is in constant motion. This can be seen in cells, in nature (like raindrops in a pond), and in the universe itself. I’m captivated by timeless cultural objects, intricate details, and the dedication involved in creating them. This is why I use old financial documents (such as stock certificates and banknotes), combined with cut-up pin-ups from the 1920s. These elements create an aesthetic and graphic representation of feminine energy, where the nudity of the figures emphasizes their strength.”
She adds, “Feminine energy is a recurring theme in my work. I explore the role of the feminine within the masculine in the world and delve into topics such as sexuality, birth, growth, and the decay inherent in the life cycle. Mother Earth, the moon, the sun, and the planets symbolize the interconnectedness of all things. In each artwork, I incorporate my hand-drawn character ‘Amélie,’ a cheerful and playful figure who has been with me since 2002. Amelie brings humor and lightness to my work and serves as a fluid ‘spirit’ that takes on various forms. Through her, I, as the creator, am always present in the artwork, whether as an observer or a commentator. Cartoons played an important role in my childhood, and that playful aspect continues to be reflected in my work.
Ultimately, my work revolves around the concept of playing with time and space-time. The idea that ‘time is relative’ fascinates me deeply. My creative process is literally a journey through time, which can be seen in the interplay of techniques: analog versus digital. The digital assembly of my artworks and the analog process of cutting them out by hand, layer by layer. The materials I use—old versus new—also reflect this journey.
My art freezes moments in time, yet brings together multiple layers of time, resulting in a multi-layered, eclectic depiction of various perspectives. This creates an intimate interaction and balance between the figures and my goal as an artist is to invite the viewer to come closer, wander through the artwork, and discover their own story.”
The London Police and Miho Hirano also open on the 14th. The London Police’s new exhibit, Escape to L.A, will open in the Main Gallery, and Hirano’s latest exhibit, Boundary, will debut in Gallery 3.
The shows will be on view at CHG through January 25th except December 24th-31st, when the gallery will be closed for the holidays.
GEEF ME NOG EEN KUS
13 December 2024 - 25 January 2025
Corey Helford Gallery
www.coreyhelfordgallery.com
571 S Anderson St (Enter on Willow St)
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(310) 287-2340
HOURS: Tuesday-Saturday: noon to 6pm
