The book "Why Paintings Work" and an exhibition are presented at the Kourd Gallery.

The exhibition presents selected works of artists included in the new book of author and art curator Jurriaan Benschop, entitled Why Paintings Work.

"The essential thing in a painting is not what it depicts, or what it symbolizes, but primarily how it is made."
In Why Paintings Work, Jurriaan Benschop navigates the diverse landscape of contemporary painting. It presents the work of dozens of painters, analyzes the themes found in their work, and constantly asks the question: What makes this painting work? In what way does it manage to touch the viewer? It takes into account both the visible aspects of painting—such as the depicted object or the method of application of paint—as well as the ideas, beliefs, and motivations behind the canvas.

Why Paintings Work doesn't just focus on how we look at a painting, it also aims to find a new language to keep up with today's art and the modern viewing experience.

During the duration of the exhibition, the curator and some of the artists will be available to visitors to chat with them about the works and exchange views on the exhibition. The relevant program will be announced on the gallery's website and on Instagram.

The following artists are also featured in the book: Louise Bonnet, Glenn Brown, Peter Doig, HelmutFederle, Beverly Fishman, Elisabeth Frieberg, Victoria Gitman, Veronika Hilger, Martha Jungwirth, Kristi Kongi, Mark Lammert, Rezi van Lankveld, Kerry James Marshall, Lara de Moor, Matthew Metzger, Marc Mulders, KaidoOle, Jorge Queiroz, Fiona Rae, Daniel Richter, Jessica Stockholder, Marc Trujillo, Anna Tuori, Matthias Weischer.

Jurriaan Benschop is a Dutch writer and art curator. Why Paintings Work is published by Garret, Helsinki. The book will be available from the Kourd Gallery during the exhibition.

Artists: Nikos Aslanidis, David Benforado, Maria Capelo, Béatrice Dreux, Andreas Ragnar Kasapis, Michael Markwick, Paula Zarina-Zemane, Gerlind Zeilner.

Editor: Jurriaan Benschop

When:

July 12, 2023 - August 4, 2023

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 12:00 - 20:00

Free entrance.