Artist: Kris Lemsalu
Exhibition title: Angels Gone Pissing
Venue: Temnikova & Kasela, Tallin, Estonia
Date: August 26 – November 20, 2017
Photography: all images copyright and courtesy of the artist and Temnikova & Kasela
the heart slipped by
summer slipped by
nothing appeared to
alight
the miller slipped by
the sails were put by
in the dim cellar
light
grandpa watched
grandma watched
joy came to eyes
on closing
father was taken
mother was taken
home went alone
and howling
Juhan Viiding
translated by Miriam McIlfatrick-Ksenofontov
Kris Lemsalu (b. 1985) is a sculptor and installation artist often experimenting with ceramics. Her art combines porcelain with fur, wool textile, silicone, found objects, sounds and other materials. Lemsalu’s work is characterized by her attention to colour and surface effects, an interest in archetypal and symbolic motifs, and an ironic and reflexive relationship to the media she uses, as well as staged scenes and the absurd. Her work often touches upon timeless and profoundly human themes such as birth, transformation and death, pain and grief, passion and love, and a celebration of life. Lemsalu’s installations sometimes act as a stage for her performances; the sculptural artworks become props or part of her costumes.
Lemsalu’s recent solo exhibitions and performances include “Peace @ 295 Church Street”, Margot Samel, NY (2022); “A Snail’s Tale”, with Kyp Malone, High Line Art, NY (2021); “Paloma”, with Kyp Malone, Barbara Sánchez-Kane and Viktor Martínez, Material Art Fair, Mexico City (2020); “Birth V – Hi & Bye”, Estonian pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale (2019).
