Ruttkowski;68 in Cologne, Germany is currently showing I can’t look at your face anymore, a solo by Pieter Janssen aka Parra. For his second exhibition with the gallery, the Dutch artist, illustrator and designer created an all new body of work consisting of canvases, sculptures and objects.
Inspired by the phenomenon of selfies and the creation of edited selves in social media, the pieces in the show are focused on obscuring the face. This idea is noticeable on all the works produced for the show – canvas characters are hiding behind each other or behind objects, and sculptures are positioned so their face isn’t shown or it’s just not sculpted. This fully matches Parra’s constant move towards a looser and more abstract visual language. Minimal use or complete lack of outlines flattens his images into shapes that still tell stories of playfulness and humor. With nude curvy feminine characters indulging in various “naughty” activities, the blue/burgundy install once again balances between being provocative and humorous.
The stand out works of this great showing is probably the floating fiberglass sculpture Falling Fiancée and the unique 400 x 278 cm wool and silk rug titled Nutella Breakfast. The show opened on 15th of April and will stay on view until 29th of May.
Discuss Parra here.
