LONDON.- StolenSpace Gallery are presenting Shifting Times, an exhibition of new work by Kai & Sunny in what is their 5th solo show at the gallery. This new body of work by the UK-based duo showcases their uniquely distinguishable compositions of acrylic paintings and archival ballpoint pen works.
Shifting Times embraces two concepts; flowing deconstructed landscapes portraying a serene isolation through introspection and sharp-edged geometrics exuding speed and energy. These parallel narratives are characterized by the duo’s distinct line work. The process is a methodical building of thin intricate lines upon each other creating strength to the work indicating solidity in numbers. The result showing powerful kinetic compositions while a delicacy remains.
The works delve into the connection between colour and shape using colour shifts to create dynamic movement. The lines can change your perception of the shape while the foreground and background invite you to float in-between the two. The tidal-like waves and energetic sunbursts represent environmental uncertainty but always hopeful of a brighter future through meaningful change.
Kai & Sunny are a London-based artist duo. They met in the 90s when they were studying at UAL with degrees in Art and Design. As well as exhibitions internationally they have work in collections of MOMA and the V&A. They have also collaborated with Alexander McQueen artist Shepard Fairey and have won numerous accolades, including a 2012 D&AD Design Award and a 2015 LIA award. In addition to the above, the often design book covers for leading fiction and non-fiction titles. They are known for hallmark precision line- work, a slow methodic process of building - individual thin lines in archival ballpoint pen upon each other creating tense kinetic compositions while a certain fragility remains. Their works are mostly geometrical studies of the natural world and the invisible forces that draw its forms together, each image’s almost-mathematical precision underpinned by a sense of transcendence, of something above or beyond the physical which pulls these lines into bold and intricate forms.
In conjunction with the exhibition, Kai & Sunny have collaborated with Element Skateboards on a series of new skate decks. The artists will also release a limited edition 6 colour silkscreen print and a limited edition vinyl E.P by Toydrum.
