AMSTERDAM.- Galerie Ron Mandos is presenting a new exhibition In Times of Bigotry by Katinka Lampe. The selected works on display highlight Lampe’s interpretation and imagery surrounding the phenomenon ‘bigotry’.

The inspiration of the theme bigotry developed as a result of the extremes in the current political atmosphere, and societal discourse. Lampe makes works using terms such as extremity, clashing realities, and black and white. This is how she came to create the work of an (innocent) child wearing a muzzle. She painted her most white painting yet, and her most extreme black canvas. For the white works, Lampe asked albino models to pose for her. More so than in previous series, light, or the absence thereof, plays a roll.

The painting itself is a slow process. The works often have up to ten layers of paint, and each layer needs one week to dry. This rigorous procedure assures the impeccable finish of the final piece. Additionally, through using moulds, Lampe’s works contain a certain sense of control, giving the work a somewhat artificial feel.

Although at first glance the paintings may appear portrait-like, the focus is not on those portrayed. The personal qualities and individual characteristics of the model are removed with the greatest of ease. The model serves only as a means through which Lampe’s interpretation of the world, and the theme in which she works, can be depicted. Through this distance to traditional portraiture, Lampe has the freedom to add and remove aspects as she sees fit. The majority of the models are young, a conscious choice as their facial expressions are less formed, and the young faces and expressions can more easily be shaped to suit Lampe’s vision. This artistic process is Lampe’s way of researching and understanding the world, culture and identity.

Lampe’s paintings are highly aesthetic, technically skilled, and simultaneously convey a sense of mystery. They often contain a surprising element, or a subtle imperfection, which may unhinge the viewer. In Times of Bigotry shows the exciting developments in Katinka Lampe’s oeuvre.

Katinka Lampe was educated at the Academy of Art and Design in ‘s Hertogenbosch. She has exhibited in, amongst others, Museum Arnhem, Museum van Loon, Amsterdam, Nederlands Fotomuseum, Rotterdam, De Kunsthal, Rotterdam, and Frissiras Museum, Athens. Lampe’s works can be found in collections such as Museum Arnhem, Museum van Loon, Amsterdam, Museum More, Gorssel, Schunck*, Heerlen, De Nederlandsche Bank, Amsterdam, ING, Amsterdam, Salon Dahlmannm Berlin, Art Curial, Paris, Frisseras Museum, Athens, AKZO Art Foundation, Amsterdam, De Heus-Zomer, Barneveld, and Hugo & Carla Brown Collection, The Hague.