Last weekend, on the Painting Workshop field-trip, we visited several contemporary art galleries in Berlin to look specifically at exhibitions featuring painting. We saw some excellent shows, and everyone had different favorites. We stuck to Potsdamer Strasse, the current center of the Berlin gallery scene.
First Stop: Alfredo Esquillo at Arndt Galerie, Potsdamer Str. 96, 10785 Berlin
Philippino artist Alfredo Esquillo has created a complex body of work that examines the relationship between one's personal interior life and society, focusing on the idea of transformation within both spheres. He draws on traditional Philippine religious and cultural ideas, as well as his own personal experience. The large scale paintings were technically very interesting to see in person, as many of the shapes has actually been carved out of the surface of the painting.
Second Stop: Tamina Amadyar at Galerie Guido W. Baudach, Potsdamer Straße 85, 10785 Berlin
The young Afghani/ German artist Tamina Amadyar makes abstract paintings that reference interior architecture, drawing on memories and her cultural heritage in Afghanistan. Oil paint is used in this washes, staining the canvas which has been treated with the traditional priming medium of rabid-skin-glue.
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Third Stop: Edouard Baribeaud at Galerie Judin, Potsdamer Straße 83, 10785 Berlin
Edouard Baribeaud was inspired by a recent research trip in India, and he used incorporated Hindu mythology and traditional Indian miniature painting history into this new body of work. The paintings use the old technique of egg tempera.
Fourth Stop: Serban Savu at
Galeria Plan B, Potsdamer Strasse 77-87 Building G (Second Backyard)
Romanian artist Serban Savu depicts everyday scenes in his hometown, and beyond. In this exhibition he has a special focus on pictures within paintings.
