David Rffini ” INSULAE”

“Art is not on the canvas. Art is not in the mind of the viewer. Art is the empty space between the artwork and the spectator.” –David Raffini

Shin Gallery is pleased to present French painter and videographer David Raffini in the first installment of his INSULAE series, which follows a man who curiously obtains a box of mysterious intent. “Insulae” is a Latin word that translates to “islands” and is customarily used to refer to the finer physiology of the brain. Raffini adopts this title exactly for its dynamic polysemy, thematically constructing an assemblage of works into a narrative that reconciles modes of isolation and solitude found in densely populated cities while also mirroring the landscape of a despoiled memory.

Raffini’s own process plays on the principle of polysemy by implementing an element of destruction in his creation. He thoughtfully burns away sections of canvas to invoke a frenetic mood and intentionally folds his work to highlight its physical dispensability. These wreckful acts, closely connoted with damage, become key features and instrumental techniques in molding his final vision. He is a demonstrated master of texture and subtle, yet meticulous imagery, producing work that asserts an overlying emotive presence through its unconventional shape and form.

David Raffini received his DNSEP from Villa Arson in 2007 and is previously known for his monumental, deconstructive sculptures with partner Florian Pugnaire. In 2010, Raffini exhibited in the Palais de Tokyo. Raffini was awarded the Ricard Foundation Prize in 2015 and will have an exhibition in the Centre Georges Pompidou of France with Pugnaire in Spring 2016. INSULAE is an ongoing project that will exhibit as connected chapters in various galleries.