KRISTINE KUTEPOVA
PORTRAITS OF PLANTS
14.3. - 04.04.2024
Portraits of plants is a curated collection of eight new works by artist Kristine Kutepova, Latvia. Through the captivating lens of the artist’s childhood memories, the vibrant world of plants unfolds: each plant portrait serves as a window into the soul of the botanical realm, inviting viewers to connect with the profound beauty and resilience of nature.
Perspectives from the ground reaching up towards the endless sky remind us of the power of growth and transformation inherent in every seed. With a meticulous attention to detail, these paintings capture the essence of each plant, from the intricate loops of tomatoes supporting one another to the delicate dance of bumblebees amidst colorful blossoms.
As the seasons change, so too does the garden, echoing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth—a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things. Through this exploration of the garden's spirit, the artist channels a sense of hope and renewal. As the artist herself reflects, "Every step here is important, everything changes all the time," inviting us to cherish the beauty of the present moment.
.jpeg)
The portraits burst with life energy and showcase the plants' strength and vitality.
The viewer's perspective is intentionally lower, reminiscent of a child's viewpoint, enhancing the sense of awe and wonder. Each painting is a blend of realism and abstraction, with subtle details inviting viewers to examine closely and make their own discoveries within the artwork.
Portrait of striped ‘Japonica’ corn 100x80 cm, 2023
Acryl on canvas
It all began in my early years, exploring my grandparents' garden, where I was allowed to taste everything and spend my free time fully immersed in nature, searching for dill, strawberries, or the first ripe tomatoes. Reconnecting with that feeling took years, and now it's my third season back in the garden, both as a painter and a gardener.
What does "growing" or "growth" mean to you?
To me, it's a manifestation of life energy.
Witnessing the transformation of a small seed into a robust plant or tree is nothing short of miraculous. There's a profound wisdom and power in this process that never ceases to amaze me.
Portrait of striped ‘Japonica’ corn 50x40 cm, 2024
Acryl on canvas
.jpeg)
Kristine Kutepova (1982) studied painting at the Art Academy of Latvia. Prior to that, she graduated in Engineering, Communications and Management at Riga Technical University and at Bulduri Horticultural Secondary School.
Her artworks are very intuitive, she creates large-format wonderlands and colorful sceneries. She has had several solo, group and performance exhibitions in Latvia and abroad.
She was awarded with a scholarship of the patron Inara Tetereva in the field of art in 2015 and received a special grant from Art Academy of Latvia in 2017.
February is the moment when you are opening garden season! My new challenge for this year are new varieties, wilde tomato from Peru, that is the ancestor of the tomatoes, tomatoes called Princess Sissi, rainbow eucalyptus, Jack been from fairy tales etc.
You have been working on your new series for quite a while now. Could you tell us a little bit about your process?
It all began in my early years, exploring my grandparents' garden, where I was allowed to taste and touch everything and spend my free time fully immersed in nature, searching for dill, strawberries, or the first ripe tomatoes. Reconnecting with that feeling took years, and now it's my third season back in the garden, both as a painter and a gardener. I decided to base this collection on gardening processes. It starts with ideas, finding the right plants, planning their space, sowing them, and then capturing moments throughout the summer. The rest of the year, I'm in my studio, refining the captured images.
What is most important to you when it comes to gardening?
I'm learning to let it be, understanding that gardening is a compressed life cycle—from birth to death, every step matters, and everything is constantly evolving. I see parallels with spirituality, where change and transformation are constants, and even death plays a vital role. Old plants decompose into nutrients, enriching the soil and ensuring their presence in another form. While I primarily showcase the beauty of a plant's lifetime, I also aim to explore its entire life cycle, which may mark the conclusion of this collection.