Richard Heller Gallery is pleased to present Riikka Sormunen, Only Lovers. This is Sormunen's first solo exhibition in the United States and also her first solo exhibition with the gallery.
Only Lovers began with the idea of theatre. I built myself a nest of hours on the stage: a place where everything is carefully planned, placed and rehearsed. Every character is aware of the viewer, posing with emotions from a script of confessions and fantasies. The scenes are set by the sea, on various beds, with pareidolic jokes making their shy appearances.
I focused on feeling and evaded meaning. I’ve searched for ways to imitate tactility by using memory and deduction rather than direct observation. Seeing hair, fabric or fruit take shape this way is what keeps me hooked on painting. It’s as close as I can get to what I imagine doing magic feels like. Most of all, I wanted the pure visual pleasure of composing with texture, pattern and color.
I have let myself fall into what comes naturally: escapism by methodical repetition, balancing between sensory overload and sensual bliss. My need for honesty is in constant battle with an eagerness to please. I tell the truth but decorate it. —Riikka Sormunen
