Raspberry Finn's Ramblings

Tue - Sat, 12 - 6pm Oil paint is a type of slow-drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. The viscosity of the paint may be modified by the addition of a solvent such as turpentine or white spirit, and varnish may be added to increase the glossiness of the dried film. Oil paints have been used in Europe since the 12th century for simple decoration, but were not widely adopted as an artistic medium until the early 15th century. Common modern applications of oil paint are in finishing and protection of wood in buildings and exposed metal structures such as ships and bridges. Its hard-wearing properties and luminous colors make it desirable for both interior and exterior use on wood and metal. Due to its slow-drying properties, it has recently been used in paint-on-glass animation. Thickness of coat has considerable bearing on time required for drying: thin coats of oil paint dry relatively quickly. Born in an isolated village outside of Tel Aviv, Israel, US based artist Kukula was exposed to Holcust survivors at an early age. Coupled with a young girl’s fantasies about princesses and fairytales, KuKula’s work draws from this strange dichotomy of historical horrors and the fantastical worlds of a child’s imagination. Centered on lithe yet buxom milk-skinned figures that resemble dolls, KuKula’s most recent works explore more complicated thematic landscapes, such as melancholia and apathy. Rife with a decadent sexual tension, her figures often appear in antiquated settings in which they languish in grand baroque interiors rich with details of luxury; marble floors, towering gardens and glittering chandeliers. Fashioned in a contemporary wardrobe that references high end labels Chanel, Miu Miu and Chloe, their pale skin has literally become ‘diseased’ with the opulent beauty with which they have obsessively surrounded themselves with, manifesting as beautiful growths of clockwork gears, teacup handles and filigreed molding. Within this lavish world, the beautiful figures appear more realistic than in the past, their smooth faces carrying a more potent emotive nuance that compliments the sophisticated evolution of her technique. Often appearing alone or paired with an