ARTIST KATJA FARIN
Katja Farin a Los Angeles
based painter, focusing on the figure.
She has been featured as a Critic’s Pick in ARTFORUM, for her first solo show at in lieu gallery. She has been in other groups shows at Wilding Cran Gallery, Nicodim and had a solo show in March 2020 at Lubov gallery in NYC. The artist was also featured as one of Cultured Magazine’s 30 under 35 artists in 2019.
Katja what are your greatest inspirations or influences?
My influences range from contemporary artists such as Noah Davis, Ivana de Vivanco, Elizabeth Glaessner, Issy Wood, Maja Ruznic, Guglielmo Castelli, and so many others to old favorites such as Max Beckmann, Will Küper, Edward Munch, R.B. Kitaj, and Vuillard.
My inspirations come from interpersonal relations, intimacy between people, and our relationships with each other and our surroundings. The relationship between people and technology (mainly TikTok and instagram) fascinate me and the avatars we create of ourselves for consumption.
My personal psychology also is very deeply embedded within the work. Recently I have been investigation the similarities between insects and humans.
Tell us a bit about your creative process and things you are looking forward to this year?
The work is mainly based on images, either found or taken. From there the paintings become puzzles that compile a composition. The “final” image is always changing. I also tend to paint over paintings and keep them flexible.
The work I’m the most proud of is the work that the viewer can fully see themself in- or as much as possible. The relationship between the viewer and the work is very important to me. This past year has been a whirlwind for me, and I am excited for my second solo show at in lieu in March. I am trying some new things out and am excited for people to see it.
How has this year changed your creativity or how you see the art industry changing moving forward?
2020 has allowed me to live off of my work, which at my age I never through would be possible, or at least not for a long time. I think that the art world is going to be turning on its head and the next generation of art makers and movers will get the spotlight, and I am very excited to be apart of it. I am hoping that we will be able to create the art world we want.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I am very excited for my next solo show in April with in lieu. I definitely challenged myself with the work and also am making a takeaway book to go with the exhibition. It’ll be good to see the work in a space!
Instagram: @katjafarin
For inquires contact in lieu gallery info@inlieu.online
Titled, oil on canvas 20 x 16 in 2020
The Beekeeper, oil on canvas, 60 x 48 in 2020
playing With Ants, oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in 2020
Noonday Demon, oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in 2020