There is something very fascinating about the work of Latvian artist Henrijs Preiss. ( Now living and working in London). He studied Sceneography at the Art Academy of Latvia and later on did an MA in Sceneography at the Central Saint Martins, 2001. Preiss claims to be influenced by Russian icons and Italian Renaissance painting. He combines Renaissance composition methods with 20th century abstract painting and symbolism, resulting in works that are unusually balanced for abstract paintings. Much like the icons they draw inspiration from, the surfaces are aged and seemingly time-worn. Many of his paintings have the feel of an old book lost in a shelf at the library.
Henrijs Preiss recently exhibited at the Sesame Gallery in London. Here is a little of what they had to say about his work: ..’the experience of being presented with an open door into mysterious visual systems that have been used in different cultures over the years to articulate some kind of basic truths. And the result is curious: while they are exotic to all, regardless of their cultural background, the paintings are yet somehow very familiar – a form of archetypal painting that speaks to our most basic visual instincts’.
