Naomie Kremer: Pleasure and Paint

New York Gallery

Oakland- and Paris-based artist Naomie Kremer’s new paintings are “improvisations,” a term she borrows from music and theatre to describe her studio method and the way in which her works are experienced. As the eye wanders through these works, dense with abstract and representational imagery, it picks out different segments to explore. One experiences multiple narratives, simultaneous occurrences in the manner of a symphony or a crowd scene.

These paintings require the active participation of the viewer, and allow many points of entry to do so. They are on a human scale, inviting complete immersion. Kremer is interested in the physics and understanding of space — natural, architectural, and theoretical. Kremer writes that she can “visualize and materialize” at the same time, pointing to these various planes. Her brushwork changes throughout each painting to create imagery on these different levels. Broad, sweeping gestures provide motion and abstractions that may inspire the thought of an emotion, rhythm, or storm. Smaller, more controlled strokes create patterns and shapes that are recognizable, such as body parts or furniture. Kremer’s bold colors thematically unify the variety of line and image within each painting, while setting a tone for their overall perception. Kremer herself is evident in the physicality of the painting. Her gestures are left open for interpretation and interaction on physical and cerebral levels.