Solo | "Light Journeys" | LONG STORY SHORT NYC

Press release

Long Story Short is pleased to present Light Journeys, a solo exhibition by Katia Lifshin, on view from April 5 to May 5, 2024 at 54 Henry St, New York, NY, 10002.

Lifshin's paintings depict subjects and scenery that seem to shift and twist, embodying a surrealistic nature reminiscent of a young woman's subconscious where bodily limits dissolve and boundaries between self and surroundings blur. The series features female characters engaged in movement, climbing, skipping, or running within landscapes characteristic of Lifshin's style, aiming to transcend earthly confines and reach celestial territories fueled by otherworldly sources of light.

Wood recurs as a prominent motif in Lifshin's paintings, serving as a directional indicator for the figures and engaging in a dynamic dialogue with them. In this series, Lifshin’s signature use of color, ranging between blue and green hues, is complemented by an investigation of light and darkness through sharp contrasts and yellow tones, an artistic interpretation of constantly shifting emotional states. The distinction between inner, mental journeys and outer, physical ones blurs within Lifshin's fantastical scenery, where figures confidently navigate the edge between risk and assurance, acknowledging their surroundings as manifestations of their emotional world where physical bodies are mere fragments.

Katia Lifshin (b.1993) is an artist born in Ukraine and raised in Israel, whose work transcends boundaries between the human and the natural world. Nature serves as both muse and canvas in Lifshin’s practice, where she draws inspiration from unconventional phenomena like bioluminescence and spiral tree trunks, resulting in a captivating artistic landscape infused with surrealistic imagery influenced by everyday life and psychedelic experiences. Her exploration of light and darkness mirrors the ever-shifting emotional states experienced by humanity, navigating fluid boundaries between the human and non-human, and connecting personal experiences with the natural environment. Lifshin's feminine figures embody resilience and determination, utilizing physical and mental flexibility to challenge both exterior and interior limitations. With exhibitions worldwide, including prestigious galleries such as Anna Zorina in Los Angeles and Nassima Landau in Tel Aviv, and participation in international art fairs like ART021 in Shanghai and CAN Ibiza, Lifshin's presence on the global art scene is firmly established. Through her distinctive blend of surrealism, nature, and feminine empowerment, Lifshin invites viewers of all ages to embark on a journey of exploration and introspection through her captivating artworks.