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Friday October 25th from 17-20, Hans Alf Gallery invites everyone to join the opening of Ralf Kokke's new exhibition "Forest Friends" in the main gallery and Marta Leyva's first solo exhibition with the gallery: "Mediterranean Delicacy".Ralf Kokke's new exhibition features a series of personal paintings that bring to life animal-like figures from the painter's own dreams—creatures that have been with him since childhood. Through both large-scale works and smaller animal portraits, Kokke invites the viewer into a nostalgic realm where fantasy and reality merge.
The exhibition title refers to the dream creatures that first appeared to Kokke during his childhood and have continued to guide him into adulthood. These guardians, reminiscent of forest animals, emerged from his youthful imagination, shaped by experiences at a Protestant school. From sketching tornadoes and aliens in his schoolbooks, Kokke’s imagery evolved under the influence of a teacher who encouraged him to explore more serene, paradise-like scenes. It was during this time that Kokke's dreams transformed, with once-frightening figures becoming his protectors.
In "Forest Friends," Kokke paints these guardians in a style that echoes his early artistic explorations. His use of vibrant colors, layered textures, and dynamic compositions captures the sense of magic and wonder that has long defined his dreamscapes. The smaller animal portraits complement the larger works, offering intimate glimpses of these fantastical creatures, each of which holds personal significance for the artist.
Influenced by his fascination with Naïve art, Kokke weaves together personal symbols from his dreams and childhood in this series. Themes of protection, transformation, and nostalgia are deeply rooted in his work, bridging the past and present. The result is a body of work that invites viewers to rediscover their own sense of wonder and reconnect with the imaginary worlds of their youth.
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Originally from Barcelona, Marta Leyva divides her time between her hometown and Stockholm, drawing inspiration from her Spanish roots in her paintings. Leyva's work is characterized by vivid colors and dynamic compositions, often featuring scenes of lavish dinner parties, intimate private spheres, and vibrant social gatherings. Her use of colors such as salmon, green, and beige creates a sense of energy, positivity, and connection to her heritage. The scenarios she creates often revolve around food, serving as an essential element in her paintings and highlighting the artist's profound passion for gastronomy.
More than just a visual treat, Leyva's work is a narrative that invites viewers into the opulent and intricate worlds she creates on canvas, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestries and emotional landscapes she so vividly portrays. Leyva conjures lush, intricate worlds, where every brushstroke becomes an expression of universal emotions and human presence. Transcending gender and nationality, the figures in her works embody a fluid, universal identity that leads the viewer to connect their own memories to the scenes. With playful touches of humor and hedonism, Leyva's work evokes the joyous essence of Dionysus, celebrating life's big and small pleasures and creating a feast for the senses.
Romantic aspects pulse through Leyva’s paintings, framing scenes situated between the absurd and the mundane. Her work is steeped in references to Spanish art history and tradition, unfolding within a surreal yet familiar world. Gazing into her paintings feels like drifting into a dream. Boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, inviting the viewer to explore a world filled with recognizable yet intriguingly shifted elements.
Marta Leyva (b. 1985) was born in Barcelona but has lived and worked in France and Sweden. She is a self-taught artist and has exhibited in cities such as Stockholm, Barcelona, Madrid among others. "Mediterranean Delicacy" will be her first solo exhibition with Hans Alf Gallery.
The opening is supported by Heineken Danmark who provides cold Heineken Silver.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Holbergsgade 8, 1057 Copenhagen, Denmark, Holbergsgade 8, 1057 København K, Danmark,Copenhagen, Copenhagen , Denmark
