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Galerie Peter Kilchmann is pleased to present the seventh solo exhibition by Raffi Kalenderian (*1981 in Los Angeles, where he lives and works). It is the artist’s first solo outing in our Paris gallery and his first exhibition in France.
Kalenderian created eleven new paintings of various sizes for the show and six works on paper. They are a continuation of his series of signature-style portraits of friends and fellow artists which he depicts in intimate moments of introspection, gazing, or casual activity. Each work’s setting and narrative are personally connected with the LA-based artist.
Rendered with meticulous attention to detail and with a vibrant color palette, Kalenderian's portraits transcend mere representation, capturing the essence and personality of his subjects with sensitivity and depth. Through his skillful use of light, shadow and perspective, he imbues his figures with a sense of presence and emotional resonance, inviting viewers to engage with the inner worlds of his subjects.
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Parallel to the presentation of new works Kalenderian will perform at an interactive installation called Raffi’s & Al’s together with his artist friend Alberto Cuadros. Raffi’s & Al’s is an in-situ bar installation containing eighteen works by fellow artists. Galerie Peter Kilchmann was the first gallery to host Kalenderian and his pop-up bar in our booth at Art Basel Miami in 2023. The Paris edition of the installation will be its fourth rendition.
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"This show is about my friends, my life, and my process. How things can take a long time (years even!) but that it all just adds layers and meaning to the work. It’s also about how much I love and am inspired by French painting, despite being this half-Armenian guy from LA. I’ve included a small drawing of Yves St Laurent, some moonlight bathers, my brother reading in his room, friends of mine from the seminal Sacramento band G.Green back from when they stayed at my Los Angeles Studio back in 2015 (painting friends and putting them in a Paris show is great way to reach out and say hello if you haven’t been in touch for a while)". - Raffi Kalenderian
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"Edgar, Dave, Anna and Chris are also friends who have been put through my own overly drama lens, and onto canvas. please don’t take anything you see in these works as a comment on these wonderful, well-adjusted people". - Raffi Kalenderian
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