Galerie XII Paris presents in its two spaces – at number 10 and 14 rue des Jardins Saint-Paul – the new personal exhibition of Margaret Lansink, in which the works of her latest Friction series dialogue with works from previous series, creating a visual universe illustrating her mastery of various techniques: platinum palladium prints, liquid light prints or collages enhanced with gold leaf or charcoal. An invitation to travel into the poetic and delicate universe of Margaret Lansink where our relationships with nature resonate.
In Friction, Margaret Lansink draws on the philosophy of Simone de Beauvoir and in particular in her perception of becoming, of inevitable changes and of our fear, as humans, of these changes. Anxiety in the face of the unknown, uncertainty, insecurity: no individual can resist this permanent renewal, so why fear it? The artist invites us to embrace it rather than oppose it, to see it as a source of beauty rather than anxiety. A beauty which, according to Margaret Lansink, revives our thoughts, our ideas, our human connections, our society and especially our relationship with nature. This friction then consists of synchronizing the eternal future of humanity with nature which, in a separate time, follows its own logic independently of our own future as human beings.
Margaret Lansink practices intuitive photography with a strong aesthetic whose images raise a reflection on our own emotions, doubts or struggles in life. Minimalist images filled with poetry that invite the viewer to travel through their own memories and their own feelings. Lansink’s work revolves around a strong signature of aesthetic, poetic and slightly minimalist images, but all capable of transmitting a powerful emotional message.
Lansink’s series are often based on the human processes of accepting life as it is. Her poetic and delicate work is inspired by both the intimate and our relationship with nature. Her many projects are inspired by her own family history – and her relationship with her daughter – as well as Japanese culture, her relationship with the passing of time and imperfections. The result is monochrome and golden images where bodies and vegetation meet in vibrant beauty.
By putting into perspective professional ballet dancers, forced to stop their activity at a very young age, and photographs of the harsh nature of Death Valley in California, where time seems to play no apparent role, the artist invites us to distinguish beauty , both in evolution and in permanence. These are the frictions that we must overcome, as human beings, in order to continue to inhabit our planet. Sensitivity is thus seen as a force that could prove crucial to successfully bridging the gap between humanity and nature.
“By reading Simone de Beauvoir’s texts, I sometimes have the impression of hearing my own reflections on life. The essence of her philosophy is close to my heart: Life is a process of becoming, of eternal becoming” – Margaret Lansink
About Margaret Lansink
Margaret Lansink lives and works in Antwerp, Belgium. After graduating from the PhotoAcademy in Amsterdam, Lansink studied for a year at LeMasterklass Paris and Smedsby Atelier in Paris. Lansink’s work was recognized with the Grand Prix of the 2019 Hariban Award, and was shortlisted for the 2018 Gomma Grant.
In 2018 her work was shortlisted for Fotofilmic18 and Athens Photofestival and was part of the Reclaim Photography Festival in Wolverhampton, UK. Additionally, her work has been awarded the ND Bronze Star Award for fine art book in 2016 and an honorable mention in 2018, as well as the Big Print Photo contest Amsterdam in 2015 & Dutch New Talent 2013.
Lansink participates in exhibitions, residencies and competitions in the Netherlands and abroad. Her work has been exhibited in Paris, Antwerp, New York, Tokyo, Kyoto, Tbilisi, Vancouver and Amsterdam. In 2016, she was awarded an AIR at the Kaunas Gallery in Lithuania and in 2017 at the Shiro Oni Studio in Japan, for her current project The Kindness of One. In 2019, Margaret Lansink was awarded an AIR at Benrido Atelier Kyoto for winning the 2019 Hariban Award with her series Borders of Nothingness – On the Mend.
Margaret Lansink has published seven books (three of which were handmade by herself). The Kindness of One was awarded the Best Dutch Book Designs 2019 award and is now part of the Stedelijk bookstore collection. Her books Borders of Nothingness – On the Mend and The Kindness on One are in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Margaret Lansink is a member of FemmesPHOTographes Paris and member/founder of iwi_collective. She also often supports young photographers in the development of their artistic project and their portfolio.
Margaret Lansink : Friction
From September 22 to October 28, 2023
Galerie XII Paris
10 & 14 rue des Jardins Saint-Paul 75004 Paris
www.galeriexii.com
