Pia Fries. Merian´s Surinam

Merian´s Surinam focuses on a new series of fourteen diptychs by Pia Fries. In this body of artworks the artist uses reproductions by the painter and botanist illustrator Maria Sybilla Merian (1647-1717). By means of facsimiles, she includes in her paintings plates of plants, flowers, animal and insects. Then she works with oil paint, from thin to thick impasto, to cover them partially or to elaborate signs and gesture, which are echoing the naturalist shapes. The paintings appear to be an open and playful dialogue between the two women. 19.9.2009 - 6.11.2009