In her work, Sandström reflects on the dichotomy of brightness and darkness, drawing inspiration from Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s essay “In Praise of Shadows.” Tanizaki’s exploration of the aesthetics of darkness resonates with Sandström’s approach, as she often manipulates her canvases to create layered works that evoke memory and presence rather than stark reality. Her technique involves turning canvases around to use the back as a diffused screen, resulting in paintings that suggest impressions rather than clear images. This innovative method allows her to blur the lines between abstraction and representation, creating a unique visual language that speaks to the viewer’s subconscious.
One notable piece in the exhibition, “Borealis” (2024), exemplifies this interplay. Installed in the gallery’s window, it presents a vibrant exterior view that transforms into a more elusive experience from within the gallery, challenging viewers to refocus their gaze. This deliberate obscurity echoes the Shinto concept of “Yami,” emphasizing the mysterious aspects of nature and inviting contemplation on the unseen forces that shape our lives.
Sandström’s palette is influenced by her Nordic surroundings, with earthy tones reflecting the muted light of winter. Works like “Scarlet Flight” (2024) feature bursts of color that evoke fleeting warmth amidst the cold. However, her exploration of dusk extends beyond seasonal reflections; it resonates with broader themes of political, environmental, and emotional significance. As she notes, “In gloomy times, a gloomier palette,” her works reflect the complexities of contemporary existence, capturing the essence of our collective anxieties and hopes.
Her distinctive technique, which blends printmaking, paint stains, and brushstrokes, creates a sense of fluidity within her pieces. This dynamic interaction among her works allows them to converse with one another, swirling and settling like liquid in motion. The increasingly monochromatic pieces, such as “Dusk” (2024) and “Distance in Blue” (2024), showcase a transition from vibrant colors to contemplative blues, reminiscent of the landscapes of Russian painter Nicholas Roerich. This evolution in her work mirrors the shifting nature of light and shadow, reflecting the complexities of human emotion and experience.
Sigrid Sandström’s “Dusk” exhibition invites viewers to engage with the nuances of light and shadow, encouraging a re-examination of darkness as a space of depth and tenderness. Her works challenge the boundaries of painting, offering a rich exploration of the emotional landscapes that define our experiences. As she continues to push the limits of abstraction and representation, Sandström’s art remains a poignant reflection of the world around us, resonating with both personal and collective narratives.
For those interested in experiencing Sandström’s evocative works, “Dusk” will be on display at Perrotin in Tokyo from January 17 to March 22, 2025. This exhibition promises to be a transformative experience through the ethereal realms of light and shadow, inviting all to reflect on their own experiences and emotions in the face of the ever-changing landscape of life.
