CHRONOS | Maria Kreyn | Venice Biennale
Embark on a journey through the enigmatic realm of contemporary art as MON Art Foundation proudly presents Maria Kreyn's inaugural solo exhibition in the heart of Venice: CHRONOS. Set against the backdrop of the historic St. George's Anglican Church, this groundbreaking showcase promises an evening of artistic revelation, coinciding with the illustrious 60th Anniversary of the Venice Biennale.
Maria Kreyn's storm paintings boldly redefine the boundaries of art, evoking profound emotional responses that transcend traditional norms. By omitting the figure from her landscapes, Kreyn not only accentuates the awe-inspiring power and beauty of nature but also beckons the viewer to immerse themselves in the scene, becoming active participants rather than passive spectators. This technique, where the landscape itself takes center stage, challenges viewers to confront the sublime—the magnificent yet daunting aspects of nature. Curated by Maria Vega, founder of M.O.N Art Foundation, these captivating works, displayed within the sacred confines of the church, beckon viewers to immerse themselves in vast philosophical dreamscapes that oscillate between whimsy and foreboding, fostering moments of introspection and discovery.
Kreyn's incorporation of geometric lensed spaces adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the conventional landscape genre. This approach suggests a structured, almost mathematical perspective on nature, hinting at an underlying order within the chaos of natural phenomena like storms. It serves as a reminder of the dualistic nature of the world, governed by laws that can both create and destroy.
Maria Kreyn, a visual artist, initially studied math and philosophy at the University of Chicago before embarking on her journey as a self-taught painter. Her works have graced numerous galleries in the United States and Europe and have even made their way to prestigious museums in China. Notable publications such as Vanity Fair, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times have featured her art, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the contemporary art scene. Her impact extends beyond traditional gallery spaces. Her painting 'Alone Together' played a pivotal role in driving the plot of Shonda Rhimes' ABC television show, The Catch. Additionally, her public works include a series of eight monumental paintings inspired by Shakespeare, commissioned by none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber. These awe-inspiring pieces now adorn the lobby of London's historic Theater Royal Drury Lane.
