Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary artistic journey of Field Kallop, a painter who delves into the profound connection between the micro and macro through her bold chromatic compositions.
It all began during her undergraduate studies at Princeton, where a simple assignment sparked a lifelong exploration. Tasked with contemplating the relationship between the smallest and largest scales, Kallop found inspiration in the remarkable similarity between atoms and galaxies. This revelation set her on a path that intertwines art with astronomy, physics, and philosophy.
"I may not be religious, but I find spirituality in the beauty and order that surrounds us, connecting us all," Kallop shares from her New York studio. Her artistic practice is deeply contemplative, drawing influence from abstract pioneers like Hilma af Klint and Agnes Martin.
Kallop's latest body of work, "Bodies of Light," is a testament to her unique approach. On display at GAVLAK, this exhibition features some of her largest pieces to date, including a monumental triptych that stretches an impressive 18 feet. The gallery transforms into a sacred space, enveloping visitors in a vibrant palette that plays with light and reflection.
Each piece in the collection begins with a meticulously measured grid, followed by the artist's careful application of pigment washes into uniform geometries. Some works even incorporate bisected circles of gold and silver leaf, evoking the sun and moon and enhancing their radiant qualities.
Over the past few years, Kallop has been gradually increasing the scale of her works. Each piece starts as a small rendering, evolving into a larger watercolor study, and for those that demand further exploration, she translates them onto canvas using acrylics. Interestingly, she thins down her acrylics to achieve a watercolor-like consistency, maintaining a consistent approach throughout.
Kallop's process is not only meticulous but also physically demanding. She works on each piece horizontally, draping her body over smaller compositions and stretching to reach the center of larger canvases resting on sawhorses.
Despite her perfectionist nature and commitment to precision, Kallop chooses to paint without tape or guides. "I want that softness, that wobble, those slight accidents," she explains.
"Bodies of Light" reflects this demanding practice and explores the symbolism of illumination. Some pieces capture earthly light, whether it's streaming through windows or filtering through trees, while others consider photosynthesis and the transformation of light into energy. Then there's the cosmic and celestial light, a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the connections it holds.
Kallop's work invites us to contemplate our place in this wild and wondrous world, and the unity that exists beyond our realization.
"Bodies of Light" will be on display in West Palm Beach from December 18 to January 24. Explore more of Kallop's captivating work on her website and Instagram.
