
Kristopher Karklin engages with the sensibility of reality and fiction. Our ability to distinguish between actual and fictitious events that have occurred in our past, lends itself to the idea that we manipulate our memory. Where events experienced are tangible and definite, our memories of those events are ephemeral, and intangible, causing many details to be lost or gained in the translation. Through the use of photography, Karklin recreates a memory which, due to inconsistency and manipulation, alters the reflection of the experience and space being recreated. These alterations are noticeable in the artist’s works in many ways, for instance, a lack of detail or incorrect colors. Karklin’s utilization of photography then becomes much the opposite of its customary use, where it is traditionally used to objectively capture an exact moment or memory. Instead, he employs photography as a tool to create a moment or memory.
An integral component of Karklin’s work is his investigation into the relationship between the urban living space and its occupant; where the exchange that occurs is intimate and secure, it is also temporary and homogenous. This idea is manifested in his work where the spaces that he recreates are minimal to the point where there is almost nothing, except the occupant. Due to the sparseness of the environments, the viewer is drawn into the space, and interprets the piece in relation to their own past experiences.
The process of Karklin’s work is done through the meticulous sculpting of miniature models. These are labor-intensive handmade reflections of the narrative. The process of building the miniature models deals with the same problems one engages if they were painting or drawing; color, composition, relation of objects, perspective, and size. When the model is completed it is photographed. The last element of the process is spent photographing a human model. The human figure is then composited into the photo of the miniature setting, emphasizing the contrast between the figure and the space. Once finished, the situation is presented as a large-scale photograph.
The final product is intended to lure the viewer into a space that is readily accessible, so as to engage their own experiences. Karklin has presented them with a situation that is reflective of what we consider personal and private, our living space and memories.
CLICK HERE to view recent lecture featuring Karklin in conversation with artist/professor Mark Mullin.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2015 Barbara Edwards Contemporary, Toronto, Ontario
2015 Barbara Edwards Contemporary, Calgary, Alberta
2011 Camp Life, Skew Gallery, Calgary, Alberta
2010 Routine Reconstruction, Skew Gallery, Calgary, Alberta
2008 No Vacancy, 809 Exhibition Space, Calgary, Alberta
2007 Indirect Transit, Marion Nicole Gallery, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, Alberta
2006 Digital Prints, Print Resource Gallery, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, Alberta
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2017 Past Imperfect: A Canadian History Project, Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
2017 for the time being: 2017 Alberta Biennial of Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta (Curated by Peta Rake and Kristy Trinier)
2017 PAPIER17, VIVIANEART, Montreal, Quebec
2017 SCOPE New York 2017, VIVIANEART, New York, NY, USA
2016 SCOPE Miami Beach 2016, VIVIANEART, Miami, Florida, USA
2016 Launchpad, VIVIANEART, Calgary, Alberta
2016 SCOPE New York 2016, Barbara Edwards Contemporary, New York, NY, USA
2015 SCOPE Miami Beach 2015, Barbara Edwards Contemporary, Miami, Florida, USA
2015 Art Toronto, Barbara Edwards Contemporary, Toronto, Ontario
2014 PAPIER15, Barbara Edwards Contemporary, Montreal, Quebec
2014 Art Toronto, Barbara Edwards Contemporary, Toronto, Ontario
2013 The News From Here: The 2013 Alberta Biennial, Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (Curated by Nancy Tousley)
2013 Made in Alberta Part I, Museum of Contemporary Art Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
2013 Made in Alberta Part IV, Art Gallery of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
2012 PAPIER12 Contemporary Art Fair, Montreal, Quebec
2012 PMG Editions Project, Patrick Mikhail Gallery, Ottawa, Ontario
2011 STATE OF THE ART, Patrick Mikhail Gallery, Ottawa, Ontario
2010 Toronto International Artfair, presented by Skew Gallery, Toronto, Ontario
2009 Exchange Exhibition of Prints by Young Artists in Japan & Calgary, Alberta
2009 University Hall, Kyoto City University of Arts, Kyoto, Japan
2006 Print Media, Snap Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta
2005 ACAD Awards Show, Alberta College of Art & Design, Calgary, Alberta, Untitled Silkscreen
2005 In or Out, Print Resource Gallery, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, Alberta, In or Out Series Prints
2004 Wet, A Student Gallery, Artrageous, Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary, Alberta, Storm Weather/Piece of Mind Installation with Video
2004 United Way: Spirits of the Gold Celebration, Calgary, Alberta, Untitled Mixed Media in collaboration with Michelle Laferriere
2003 Silent Auction, The Brenda Carr Studio Society, Vancouver, British Columbia, Untitled Collagraph
AWARDS
2012 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts award for Emerging Artists
2007 Board of Governors Nomination, Alberta College of Art & Design
2006 Jason Lang Scholarship, Alberta College of Art & Design
2005 Jason Lang Scholarship, Alberta College of Art & Design
2005 National In-Course Millennium Scholarship
2005 Printmaking Travel/Study Scholarship, Alberta College of Art & Design
COLLECTIONS
Alberta Foundation For The Arts
Sir Elton John Collection
© KRISTOPHER KARKLIN. All rights reserved.