KRISTOPHER KARKLIN

KRISTOPHER KARKLIN

The fundamental concept that Kristopher Karklin is engaged with deals with the sensibility of reality and fiction. Our ability to distinguish between actual and fictitious events that have occurred in our past, lends itself to the idea that we manipulate our memory. Where events experienced are tangible and definite, our memories of those events are ephemeral, and intangible, causing many details to be lost or gained in the translation. Through the use of photography, Karklin recreates a memory which, due to inconsistency and manipulation, alters the reflection of the experience and space being recreated. These alterations are noticeable in the artist’s works in many ways, for instance, a lack of detail or incorrect colors. Karklin’s utilization of photography then becomes much the opposite of its customary use, where it is traditionally used to objectively capture an exact moment or memory. Instead, he employs photography as a tool to create a moment or memory.

An integral component of Karklin’s work is his investigation into the relationship between the urban living space and its occupant; where the exchange that occurs is intimate and secure, it is also temporary and homogenous. This idea is manifested in his work where the spaces that he recreates are minimal to the point where there is almost nothing, except the occupant. Due to the sparseness of the environments, the viewer is drawn into the space, and interprets the piece in relation to their own past experiences.

The process of Karklin’s work is done through the meticulous sculpting of miniature models. These are labor-intensive handmade reflections of the narrative. The process of building the miniature models deals with the same problems one engages if they were painting or drawing; color, composition, relation of objects, perspective, and size. When the model is completed it is photographed. The last element of the process is spent photographing a human model. The human figure is then composited into the photo of the miniature setting, emphasizing the contrast between the figure and the space. Once finished, the situation is presented as a large-scale photograph.

The final product is intended to lure the viewer into a space that is readily accessible, so as to engage their own experiences. Karklin has presented them with a situation that is reflective of what we consider personal and private, our living space and memories.

BIOGRAPHY
Kristopher Karklin's photographic works explore the fundamental sensibilities of reality and fiction, depicting the environments of his selected experiences, as filtered through his memories.

In 2007, Kristopher Karklin graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design with a BFA with distinction. His work has been exhibited in Kyoto, Japan at the University of Arts in 2009, as well as in exhibitions across Alberta. He is the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships including the Board of Governors in 2007, the Jason Lang Scholarship for two consecutive years, and the National In-Course Millennium Scholarship in 2005. His work has been collected by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Karklin currently balances a studio practice between Fort McMurray where he is exploring the culture and displacement surrounding industry "work camps" and Calgary, Alberta.

Kristopher Karklin appears courtesy of Skew Gallery in Calgary, Alberta:

Skew Gallery
1615 10th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta,
Canada.
T3C 0J7

Tel: 403.244.4445
Email: info@skewgallery.com


CURRICULUM VITAE

EDUCATION
2002- 2007 Alberta College of Art and Design, Bachelors of Fine Arts, Print Media (BFA) With
Distinction

EXHIBITIONS
2012 Papier 12 Contemporary Art Fair, Montreal
2012 PMG Editions Project, Patrick Mikhail Gallery, Ottawa
2011 STATE OF THE ART, Patrick Mikhail Gallery, Ottawa, Group Exhibition
2010 Toronto International Artfair , presented by Skew Gallery, Toronto ON (Group)
2010 Routine Reconstruction, Skew Gallery, Calgary AB (Solo)
2009 Exchange Exhibition of Prints by Young Artists in Japan & Calgary 2009 University Hall
Kyoto City University of Arts, Kyoto, Japan (Group)
2008 No Vacancy, 809 Exhibition Space, Calgary, AB (Solo)
2007 Indirect Transit, Marion Nicole Gallery, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, AB
(Solo)
2006 Print Media, Snap Gallery, Edmonton, AB (Group)
2006 Digital Prints, Print Resource Gallery, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, AB-
(solo)
2005 ACAD Awards Show, Alberta College of Art & Design, Calgary, AB- Untitled Silkscreen
(Group)
2005 In or Out, Print Resource Gallery, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, AB- In or
Out Series Prints (Group)
2004 Wet, A Student Gallery, Artrageous, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, AB-
Storm Weather/Piece of Mind Installation with video (Group)
2004 Ode to Strummer, Roasterie, Calgary, AB- Series of Prints (Solo)
2004 United Way: Spirits of the Gold Celebration, Calgary, AB- Untitled
Mixed Media in collaboration with Michelle Laferriere (Group)
2003 Silent Auction, The Brenda Carr Studio Society, Vancouver, B.C, - Untitled Collagraph
(Group)

AWARDS
2007 Board of Governors Nomination, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, AB
2006 Jason Lang Scholarship, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, AB
2005 Jason Lang Scholarship, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, AB
2005 National In-Course Millennium Scholarship, Canada
2005 Printmaking Travel/Study Scholarship, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, AB


PRESS
2010 Averns, Dick, Akimblog Review: Routine Reconstruction, June.
2008 Interview, www.thingsofdesire.wordpress.com

COLLECTIONS
Alberta Foundation For The Arts, Sir Elton John Collection



© Copyright 2011 PATRICK MIKHAIL GALLERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The contents of this Website may not be used or duplicated without the authorization of PATRICK MIKHAIL GALLERY and/or its represented artists.