Caja Boogers (Vlaardingen, 2001)

Caja Boogers’ work focuses on manipulating the underlying layer to intensify the texture of the subject matter, using techniques such as motifs and scratches that become visible through the painted image. This shift from the surface of the painting to the surface of the subject matter is a key element that intrigues the artist.

Painting conventions, such as capturing light, are central to the artist’s work. Boogers explores and questions these conventions through the repeated depiction of a subject. To inform each series of paintings, the artist builds a personal archive of images that includes elements from nature and affected surfaces, as well as images from 1970s films and martial arts culture. The artist analyzes this archive to gain new perspectives, keeping their practice dynamic.

In the current series of paintings, the artist aims to create an immersive element for the viewer by suggesting reflections through the use of paint. Additionally, a dividing line between the two canvases adds to the associations that viewers may have with the work.

Caja Boogers is fascinated by the process of using personal archive elements in their work, and how they are connected to the painted ones. Through their work, the artist seeks to challenge and explore the way in which viewers look at paintings.

Niko Riedinger (Schrobenhausen, 1986)

Excerpt from ‘Oily Substance’ – by Emiel van der Pol

“Niko Riedinger is very aware of the interplay of appropriation and reference in his work. He views it as a game traditionally driven by power and exclusion. By questioning the universal validity and historical shelf life of a symbol, he resists systems in which the recognition and understanding of a sign is a rite of passage. Or rather, systems in which certain – socio-culturally determined – readings of the sign have become an oppressive norm. In fiery strokes of paint and hysterical compositions he claims control over the signifier. He tries to open it up for subjective interpretations by breaking its armor of absolute reproducibility. Is the abstracted image of a tree – a recurring visual element in his work – a reference to the dark woods of his native Germany, to the iconic air freshener or to the fact that humans like to reduce their lived reality to bite-sized portions? Niko seems to ask for a postponement of the answer, a moment to take in nothing but the shape and they way it manifests itself in paint.

This endeavor has placed him in line with other painters of symbols, such as Tal R, Marsden Hartley and A.R. Penck. They each researched the strictly visual qualities of shapes which represent whole worlds of ideas, as a way to reject their singular and unambiguous meanings. In a sense, they are looking to unhinge processes of understanding the sign, to resist the teachings of Saussure and to opt for an alternative. Or at least to playfully create awareness of the ways the world is indexed and classified by private interests.”

Caja Boogers CV

Born in Vlaardingen, The Netherlands 2001

Contact

www.cajaboogers.com

Education

2019 – 2023  BA Fine Art Hogeschool voor de kunsten Utrecht
2022 Internship Pennie Key Rijksacademie Amsterdam

Exhibitions

2023
A Touch of Light, Museum Kranenburgh, Bergen (NL)

Duoshow with Niko Riedinger Gerhard Hofland Galerie, Amsterdam (NL)
HKU Exposure, Graduation show, HKU Fine Art, Utrecht (NL)

2022
Tale of the tape, solo, Westersingel 101, Rotterdam (NL)
PEEK PASTOE, HKU Fine Art, Utrecht (NL)
THE NEXT: KapSalon, Herman van Veen Art Center, Soest (NL)

2021
CURRENT, CURRENT, CURRENT Omstand, Arnhem (NL)

Virtuel Empathy, AG, Utrecht (NL)

Niko Riedinger CV

Born in Germany 1986
Lives and works in Den Bosch (NL)

Contact

www.nikoriedinger.com

Education

2017 Fine Arts AKV Den Bosch

Exhibitions

2023
Duo show met Caja Boogers, Gerhard Hofland, Amsterdam (NL)
PROSPECTS, Art Rotterdam

2022
OFFLINE, TiniMini Room, Dordrecht, Group Show
THIS ART FAIR, Ten Haaf Projects, Amsterdam
PASSION AND COMPASSION, Ten Haaf Projects, Amsterdam, Trio w/ Gerbrand Volger and

Koos de Vries
OFFLINE, Tinimini Room, Dordrecht
LE DERNIER COMBAT, Willem Twee, Den Bosch

2020
SOMETHING BETWEEN THE FLOWERS, Arti et Amicitiae, Amsterdam (NL)

2019
SOFREH, No Man’s Art Gallery, Amsterdam (NL)
A PHASE LIKE HOME, Singular Art x Amsterdam Art Weekend, Amsterdam (NL)
ITS BETTER TO ROT THAN TO FADE AWAY, Projectspace Lokaal, Utrecht (NL)
ALLES FEIN/ ALLES KLAR, Art Bar Kippy, Gallery Althuis&Hofland Fine Arts, Amsterdam (NL)
Dr. YES, Stichting Bartjesschool, Den Bosch (NL)
SONNE, TOD UND STERNE, AIR presentation, Artlabb , Den Bosch
HANGING HAMMERS, Doclens, Den Bosch
LIMBO & TAVERNS, AIR presentation, Kaus Australis, Rotterdam

2018
GEFAEHRLICHE DOKTORSPIELE, Kunstplatform Apotheek, Amsterdam
HOW TO BECOME SPIDERMAN, Ruis, Nijmegen, Duo show w/ Peer Vink
WELCOME TO THE GALACTIC SUPERMARKT, NEED ANYTYTHING?, Garage Rotterdam
SHAKE A LEG, c&h Gallery Amsterdam, Group show
<3CORE, Cactus/ Academie voor Beeldvorming, Den Bosch, Solo show
JETZT SCHLAEGST DREIZEHN, Ah-vahnt-gahrd, Rotterdam

2017
TEAM TRIBAL, Nijmegen

2016
ENCAMPMENT, Cactus Den Bosch, Group show

2015
Kunstnacht Den Bosch, PK 14, Den Bosch
CALGALI, Willem Twee, Den Bosch
JE MODDER IS EEN EXPO, PK14 Den Bosch

2013
NIKO RIEDINGER x HEIMAT 2, Germany