LONDON – Camden Arts Centre presents Tal R: The Sum, on view 2 May – 29 June 2008. This new exhibition by Tal R comprises large scale paintings and an installation of over 200 etchings. A self imposed system allows Tal R to challenge the fundamentals of painting using a fixed colour palette and set dimensions.
Born in Israel and spearheading a painting revival in Denmark where he lives, Tal R is of the same generation of painters as Peter Doig and Chris Ofili.
Tal R uses seven colours: black, white, pink, green, red, yellow and brown – often applied directly from the tube. He focuses on graphic mark-making and collage, using characteristic blobs and small ‘worms’ of oil paint.
The overall effect is childlike – yet their exuberant surfaces hide the seriousness of their content. Floor-based coloured ‘pedestals’ present paintings as sculpture.
Tal R’s influences include the performances of Bas Jan Ader, the dark history of The Holocaust, as well as comic books and children’s doodling.
Many of Tal R’s self published artist’s books will be on display at Camden Arts Centre, and a new film in which he stars, ‘A Ship is not an Island’ (2007).
