Karine Léger
Artist Statement
Karine Léger’s approach first involves the need to deconstruct in order to lay the foundations for an introspective reconstruction. From paper or digital cut-outs, her compositions are born out of a collaging process. Colours, textures and shapes are meticulously selected to be arranged and rearranged, assembled and reassembled, in a quest for the right balance. Similar but independent forms come together, at times nearly touching, other times precariously balancing on one another and, on occasion, merging.
This slow, deliberate, creative process is how Karine Léger builds the foundation of her next work. Nothing is rushed, nothing is forced. She stops only when that precious balance has been achieved. Although the composition is set, she reserves the right to stray from the concept in deference to the canvas.
Deeply connected to her personal life, superimposed layers of images and transparent acrylics has its own story to tell. The shapes seem anthropomorphic at times, reflecting that constant desire for balance. But they only reveal just enough, allowing plenty of room for the viewers to find their own interpretation or story.
FROM THE ARTIST:
I draw inspiration from nature. Each shape identifies traces of forest walks and found textures. The layering of paint recreates a sense of revisiting these places and the memories of these moments.
Balancing the elements on the canvas is a meditative/soothing practice for me and induces a feeling of calm. I hope to create a contemplative space for the viewer to lose — or perhaps find — themselves for a moment.
Artist Bio
Born in Montreal, Quebec, 1977. A graphic artist by profession, Canadian Karine Léger began to explore her interest in painting in the early 2000’s. Over the ensuing years, her artistic vision evolved through photography, collage and painting.
At first, Léger was drawn to portraiture. Then in 2006 and 2007 she traveled to Northern Quebec and Iceland where the landscape completely changed her artistic vision, and she developed a love for vast spaces and the calm of winter. Since then, Karine Léger has been developing a unique style through her abstract paintings.
Selected Exhibitions
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2022 Recent work, Space Gallery – Denver, CO (USA)
2021 Unmapped, The &Gallery – Edimbourg, Ecosse (Royaume-Uni)
2021 Unmapped, Galerie Robertson Arès – Montréal, QC (Canada)
2020 Recent work, Lanoue Gallery – Boston, MA (États-Unis)
2019 Nouveaux paysages, The &Gallery – Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
2018 Recent work, Lanoue Gallery – Boston, MA (USA)
2016 À ta rencontre, Midtown Sanctuary – Montréal, Qc (Canada)
2016 Where we met, Exhibit by Aberson – Tulsa, OK (USA)
2010 Sans visage, Narcisse Bistro – Montréal, Qc (Canada)
2009 Forêt (photographies), StudioBizz – Montréal, Qc (Canada)
TWO-PERSON & GROUP SHOWS
2022 London Art Fair, The &Gallery – Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
2022 Foire en Art Actuel de Québec, Galerie Robertson Arès – Montreal, Qc (Canada)
2021 Papier 2021, Galerie Robertson Arès – Montréal, Qc (Canada)
2021 Art Toronto 2021, Galerie Robertson Arès – Montréal, Qc (Canada)
2021 Tiny yet mighty, The &Gallery – Edimbourg, Ecosse (Royaume-Uni)
2020 Art Toronto 2020, Galerie Robertson Arès – Montréal, Qc (Canada)
2019 Recent work, Lanoue Gallery – Boston, MA (États-Unis)
2018 Wonderland, Space Gallery – Denver, CO (USA)
2018 Initial Sighting, The &Gallery – Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
2017 Solo à Quatre – with Isabelle Tremblay, Melsa Montagne et Raluca Pilat – Montréal, Qc (Canada)
2017 Karine Léger & Jeremy Holmes, Lanoue Gallery – Boston, MA (USA)
2017 Modern Primitive, Exhibit by Aberson, Tulsa, OK (USA)
2016 Karine Léger & Jaeok Lee, Lanoue Gallery – Boston, MA (USA)
2016 Salon du printemps des artistes des Cantons-de-l’Est, Édition 2016, Musée des beaux-Arts de Sherbrooke, Qc (Canada)
2015 Intervalle – with Patricia Barrowman, Galerie MX – Montréal, Qc (Canada)
2014 Winter Group Show, Lanoue Gallery – Boston, MA (US)
2014 Karine Léger & Joanna Chelkowska, Galerie D – Montréal, Qc (Canada)
2011 Gesamt Galerie, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Publications
2018 Artscope Magazine – Layers of Beauty
2017 « The Cold and the Rust: Poems » poetry book by Emily Kley, USA – book cover
2016 Exhibit by Aberson – Where We Met
2015 Mixte Magazine – article
2013 Museum of Fine Arts of Sherbrooke – annual auction catalog
2012 Nous sommes les filles
2011 « Onun Çölünde » poetry book by Bejan Matur, Istanbul – book cover
2011 « Fake Book » poetry book by Tony Leuzzi, New York – book cover
2010 Décover Magazine – artist’s portfolio
2010 Slice Magazine No7, Brooklyn – article illustration