IN COMPANY
by CELINA KLOHK
March 28 - April 3
What versions of ourselves do we offer up and what parts are hidden? To experience the work of Celina Klohk is akin to being given the mic on stage, spotlight cast, expectations high; to hold tightly and parade the character you project, wondering and fearing if the social edifice is cracking and everybody knows…Gulp… should I be here?
BH: Tell us a bit about yourself and your approach to painting?
CK: I studied painting at RMIT in my hometown of Melbourne, and since then I have experimented with many different approaches to my practice, I have now landed in a place where it feels very enjoyable - where it’s playful and open. In terms of process; I try to make sure that I have something that guides me, but doesn’t restrict me - I’ll start sketching ideas with charcoal first, then bring in the colour with pencil sketches and then I’ll move to the canvas. I aim to set myself up so that I can work freely once I get to the painting - this is where it’s most playful. It can sometimes mean it takes longer to get to where it needs to go, but I find it more enjoyable to find the answers in the process.
BH: How do you decide from the studies what ends on the final piece?
II think just…if I like it. There’s a lot that I don’t like. A lot of paintings get scrapped. Some things work better on a smaller scale, so the study may look a certain way, but then as it comes together on the canvas, it doesn’t always land, or have the same effect. There are also many studies that don’t work, I just draw and draw. Some of them work…others don’t. Again, its very open and free, I don’t like to set too many rules in the studio. For this show I had a specific storyline in my head, so I just made a whole lot of drawings with that in mind, and the compositions I chose to expand on were the ones that I felt best reflected the narrative.
“the questions can be - what is? What is this protagonist experiencing? Is it good?”
BH: Do you want to reveal what the story is?
I don’t think so.. haha.
BH: What questions do you think are raised through the themes from this show?
I think the questions can be - what is….? what is this protagonist experiencing? Is it good? Is it bad? Is it a projection? Or is it the reality of the situation? How much of it is internalised and how much is the actual world around this particular character?
BH: What we were really drawn to in your work is that this subjective point of view feels very participatory for the audience.
I really think about that when I make work. I like it when paintings make you feel like you are a part of their world. I would love for viewers to have that experience in this exhibition, to feel immersed, to feel part of this world and space somehow, and to be able to empathise with the ‘protagonist’. It’s also nice when the work reminds people of their own personal story, experience or memories. I always really love hearing how the story is interpreted person to person.
BH: And what’s the next chapter after this show look like for you?
I already have new paintings in my head ready to go! I can’t wait. I’m focused on simply painting right now. There’s periods where I’m looking for opportunities, residencies, courses but I’m not in that headspace at the moment, I’m just wanting to paint. Every time I make a painting, I think ‘This is what I can improve on in the next one’. I learn so much with each work, which is why I’m always looking forward to the next one and the next one. It’s probably endless.
BH: Any last words?
I don’t think so haha. I’m blanking.
BH: There’s a clear sense of colour choice. What were the motivations behind these decisions?
It started with green. I made one painting which was based on a particular drawing, and it was the first time I really used green and I don’t know, it just made sense. I didn’t have to fight as hard, the colours were just working for me. So, I built from there, exploring what would harmonise. I always work on multiple paintings simultaneously which allows the palettes to bleed into each other. It means I can more easily make connections and solve problems in the works —if a color works well in one painting, it might suit another too. It creates a natural flow between the works too, which I really enjoy.
BH: What would your dream show look like?
I think my dream show would be a very clear subject matter explored through a variety of different mediums. I like to move between things and sometimes need a break from painting so if I had the time and resources, it would be an exhibition of paintings, sculptures, and installations all relating to a strong central theme.
BH: What would your dream collaboration be?
Someone who works with video/animation, perhaps…. William Kentridge or Jan Svankmajer, funnily they both don’t use much colour… so maybe I could bring the colour!
