ART CITIES: Paris-Raffi Kalenderian

Raffi Kalenderian’s works capture a temporal complexity in a single instant – a quality intrinsic to his works and ever recurring. On his practice, Kalenderian has stated in the past that the act of painting helps him to slow things down and focus on the interpersonal relationships. „The social aspect is incredibly meaningful to me. Technology can be isolating, so sitting with a friend for a few hours and observing them, talking, is a great way to slow things down.

By Efi Michalarou
Photo: Galerie Peter Kilchmann Archive

By depicting people from his everyday life in almost “claustrophobic” environments, Raffi Kalenderian creates a tension between intimacy and formality, depth and on-the-surface aloofness that’s hard to turn away from. “My paintings are generally known for their texture and materiality,” says Kalenderian. “Variation and experimental paint handling are a huge part of the process. Often there is some form of vivacious patterning, in the form of clothes or wood grain or plants, or maybe all three”. The exhibition “18 with a Bullet” is Raffi Kalenderian’s his first exhibition in France.  Kalenderian created eleven new paintings of various sizes for the show and six works on paper. They are a continuation of his series of signature-style portraits of friends and fellow artists which he depicts in intimate moments of introspection, gazing, or casual activity. Each work’s setting and narrative are personally connected with the LA-based artist. Rendered with meticulous attention to detail and with a vibrant color palette, Kalenderian’s portraits transcend mere representation, capturing the essence and personality of his subjects with sensitivity and depth. Through his skillful use of light, shadow and perspective, he imbues his figures with a sense of presence and emotional resonance, inviting viewers to engage with the inner worlds of his subjects. Parallel to the presentation of new works Kalenderian performed at an interactive installation called “Raffi’s & Al’s” together with his artist friend Alberto Cuadros. “Raffi’s & Al’s” is an in-situ bar installation containing eighteen works by fellow artists. Galerie Peter Kilchmann was the first gallery to host Kalenderian and his pop-up bar in our booth at Art Basel Miami in 2023. The Paris edition of the installation will be its fourth rendition. The central painting in the exhibition “Studio (18 with a bullet)” (2020-2024) lends its title to the show. It is both a reference to the number of works by different artists present in the bar installation as well as the song “18 with a Bullet” by English songwriter Pete Wingfield . Music and individual songs are often catalysts for the Californian artist’s paintings. The work is meta in the truest sense in that it contains several paintings of the show within itself. Here, the artist gives us a look into his studio where he spends most of his time and where he works on his creative process, often in isolation. It hence builds a counterpoint to the social activity often associated with a bar.

Photo: Raffi Kalenderian, Shanti reading, 2018-2024, Acrylic and colored pencil on paper, 49.5 x 69.8 cm (19 ½ x 27 ½ in.), 57.5 x 79.8 cm (22 ⅝ x 31 ⅜ in.), framed, © Raffi Kalenderian, Courtesy the artist and Galerie Peter Kilchmann

Info: Galerie Peter Kilchmann, 11-13 rue des Arquebusiers, Paris, Franc, Duration: 24/6-26/7/2024, Days & Hours: Tue-Sat 11:00-19:00, www.peterkilchmann.com/