October 4 - November 1

JD Malat Gallery presents Paradosis, the New York City debut of London-based Norwegian expressionist, Henrik Uldalen. Sourcing his inspiration from the writings of Danish philosopher and theologian Soeren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), Uldalen encourages the audience reflect upon the meaning of life.

Uldalen’s artworks invites viewers to fully immerse themselves in the soul-searching abyss. In this brand new series, the expressive thickly-layered oil paint brushstrokes – impasto technique – are concentrated on the upper part of the depicted bodies highlighting the fragility of the unsteady mind surrendering to the darkness. The chiaroscuro technique intensifies the dramatism of internal wanderings, each body depicted on the brim of dispersion in the darkness.

Reflecting on his previous solo exhibitions Metanoia, Lethe and Love in Exile, it comes as no surprise that anxiety and terror go in parallel with Uldalen’s practice. However, the dread for the world is not the endpoint at Paradosis. Instead, it attempts to extend the limits of human consciousness, breaking through the shackles of imposed darkness, then eventually, freeing oneself.