The divine geometry of Milena Kafol
On Tuesday, 6 November 2018, the Gallery of the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana was brightened by the colours of études. The exhibition by academic painter Milena Kafol entitled ÉTUDES explores the world of abstraction, a world in which the “human figure does not have a proper space”.
The painter drew inspiration for the exhibition from the thoughts of Wassily Kandinsky, the father of abstract art; the same as how Kandinsky equated a tone in music with colour in painting, Milena Kafol renders her works of art through music. The exhibition’s name derives from a musical term that means a musical composition used as practice material for perfecting musical skills for a particular instrument; in this way, the painter communicates that she is in a process of perfecting herself as well, focussing on the importance of inner feelings and mindset. By intertwining the two, the artist unleashes the common thread of her creativity, which at all times reflects the notion of giving meaning to existence and transience. She says the latter perhaps expresses the fact she started painting at a relatively late stage of life, in her sixties. The concept of transience is an enigma to her, one that raises the questions: “What is that continues? What is that is unknown?”.
Abstract painting, says the artist, is the pinnacle of painting styles. She herself has explored many styles already and is still unwilling to settle for just one. Perhaps she will even return to her first steps in the world of painting, to the period when she was improving her skills in still life and portrait painting under the guidance of a Slovenian academic painter. She states that she quickly becomes bored by routine, clearly shown by her unconventional life path. She only started painting in 2008, after having already completed language studies at the Faculty of Art, worked in sales for 20 years and then as a fashion designer and boutique owner.
Abstract art allows her to explore the “space between the real and the absolute”. She renders this transition in her works using various symbols and geometric shapes that constantly represent motion. However, the painter emphasises that her works are not solely underpinned by inspiration – in fact, the latter plays a very small role in her creation. Every work of art is the result of strict deliberation and a planned composition, which is why painting is sometimes a “strenuous activity” for her.
Abstract style can often be deceptive by appearing to be simple; yet, there is no doubt that anyone taking a closer look at Milena Kafol’s paintings can feel how well thought-out and profound her works of art are.
Katja Mencigar, EFnews
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