Agnes Havran
Kalmthout, Antwerp
Color defines my art, informs my subject matter and shapes my content.
Message
Agnes Havran is a South African-born painter currently residing in Belgium. Her journey in the arts began with her Fine Arts studies at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). She was deeply influenced by South African artists such as Penny Siopis and Karel Nel, as well as visiting lecturers such as William Kentridge, who introduced innovative approaches to art-making. Immersed in a curriculum rich in discourse and theory, Havran's artistic perspective flourished amidst the evolving dynamics of a changing South Africa.
Following her graduation, Havran spent three years at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, where her interest in painting conservation grew. This passion led her to Belgium, where she undertook painting conservation and restoration studies at the Royal Academy in Antwerp. The focus on restoration techniques combined with an exploration of painting traditions, would later inform her studio practice. Although her career in conservation was put on hold due to her focus on motherhood, she returned to painting in the last decade, refining her technique and artistic vision.
Her current studio practice reflects a more defined working methodology and an evolved mastery of colour, demonstrating a profound understanding of pigment characteristics. Havran's work explores themes of ambivalent spaces and fragmentation, creating dreamy and evocative compositions inspired by her surroundings and everyday life. Her solo exhibition, *Painting Revisited*, showcased the progression of her artistry, highlighting her ability to merge her distinctive use of colour with thoughtful exploration of fragmented spaces.
Statement
In my artistic practice, color and luminosity are not mere elements; they are the very essence of my work. Each piece I create is a exploration of how light and color interact to evoke emotion, convey narratives, and transport the viewer into a realm of profound sensory experience. By prioritizing vivid brilliance and utilizing color, not only for representation but as an evocative tool, I aim to create immersive experiences that evoke a sense of beauty and contemplation.
Additionally, my artistic vision resonates deeply with my appreciation for the beauty found in everyday experiences. I strive to capture the essence of life’s fleeting moments, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the world around them.
The emphasis on ambivalent spaces and fragmentation in my work reflects my keen awareness of the nuances of perception. It invites the audience to engage with the layers of interpretation which I weave into each piece. By using my own photographs as a foundation, I create a unique interplay between reality and abstraction, sculpting narratives that transcend the literal. This approach allows me to incorporate diverse angles and perspectives, ultimately fostering an engaging visual dialogue that mirrors the multifaceted nature of life itself. Each layer I add invites viewers to explore their interpretations, encouraging a deeper connection to the complexity of human experience.