JANICE KERBEL
3. 4. 2007 - 12. 5. 2007
vamiali’s gallery is pleased to present the first solo show in Athens
of Canadian born and London based artist Janice Kerbel.
According to her words, her work is developed out of the logic that particular
structures and spaces presuppose. “I use, she writes, identifiable
conventions from a range of times and disciplines to imagine a space between
rationality and imagination, abstraction and representation. Often taking
the form of plans or studies, my work maintains the promise of a subsequent
state while rendering any such fulfillment obsolete.” How to rob
a bank, how to cheat on cards, or how to buy property of an island that
does not exist are some of Janice Kerbel’s paradoxical “proposals”.
Her work addresses questions of surveillance, ecology, and conceptualism
and although is usually clean cut presented, evokes a shadowy world, a
poetic view on non-existed structures or a simple solution by providing
secret knowledge. Kerbel mingles two ways of knowledge, detailed research
and long-term investigation with escapism, poetry and dream.
For
her solo show at vamiali’s she will present two main works. First,
under the title “Three Marked Decks” are templates for playing
cards with tiny alterations made to the patterned backsides.
The
second group of works with the title “Home Climate Gardens”,
is a series of digital drawings that conceive of gardens determined by
the climatic and architectural conditions of a range of indoor environments
for example “Council Flat: Wall mounted garden” or “Gym:
Respiration Garden”. These schematic drawings could be imaginary
guides for potential gardeners to assemble the ideal plants in the best
arrangement for unconventional sites.
In
2006 Janice Kerbel presented one of her most ambitious projects. Titled
“Nick Silver Can’t Sleep” is a 16-minute radio play
written for insomniacs. It uses the structure of the lullaby and the tradition
of a ballad to tell a narcotic tale of thwarted desire through the voice
of 6 nocturnal plants, each character having been developed in keeping
with the botanical attributes of the individual species. The play broadcasted
on 28 October 2006 by BBC 3.www.nicksilvercantsleep.org.uk
With
support from 
Janice Kerbel has participated in many exhibitions: Montreal Biennale, Moderna Musset, Stockholm (solo), Karin Gunther Gallery, Hamburg (solo), Oakville Art Gallery, Ontario, Musee des Beaux-arts, Montreal, South London Gallery, London, among others.
"Three Marked Decks", lithograph on paper, 92x70 cm each, installation view
"Three Marked Decks, Bicycle Riderback", lithograph on paper, detail
"Home Climate Gardens", inkjet on paper, 121x86 cm each, installation view
"Loft Mobile Garden", inkjet on paper, 121x86 cm