Amsterdam Whitney Gallery Press Release

Presents Lillian Torjussons Artwork


Contemporary artist Lillian Torjussons harmonious compositions build bridges between disparate moments in history in order to aide interpretation of epochs personally unknown to contemporary visitors. This interes in confounding abstract figuration within textured layers of kaleidoscopic colors reflects a modern twist on pre-industrial civilization use of aesthetic production through ritual as a way of documenting activities and building communal understanding.

Torjusson explains her textured, color-field canvases as labyrinthine explorations intended to unearth the depths of the unknown, exploring how one comes to understand unfamiliar territories, stating,"Working with art is much about exploring unknown realms; to make something visible which is invisible." Her multi-media techniques combine varied brushwork and materials, including collage, fluid color application, and organic metals like gold. Organic materials and modernist abstract expressionism reflected in her paintings represents a synchronic interpretation of historical artistic production, bridging multiple layers of history into a single archaeology of knowledge. By employing gold in her "Tao Initiao" series, her paintings reconnect with the historical Byzantine Icon which regularly included gilded gold and tempera paint to capture the essence of important Christian figures. Torjussons work in turn take on the persona of the Icon, through which her paintings become imbued with a higher meaning manifest through the abstract and figurative symbols that elucidate her undulating compositions.

Award-winning artist Lillian Torjusson works and resides in Norway. The artist studied visual art in Switzerland. She was also educated as a dancer, teacher and art-therapist. Aside from her fine-art career, Torjusson had succesful professions as a former model and freelance-journalist. She exhibits her art internationally in Norway, England, Germany, Switzerland, Russia and the United States. Amsterdam Whitney Gallery is proud to showcase the art of this contemporary star.

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