RISE OVER RUN - INKA BELL

RISE OVER RUN, INKA BELL, 28.10–26.11.2022,

BRICKS GALLERY, COPENHAGEN

Inka Bell creates powerful, minimalistic compositions with colour and paper in her spatial practice. She leaves her materials to speak autonomously without any figuration or abstract narrative. The exhibition Rise Over Run talks about relations and the outcome is an assembly of works showing us what happens when form is the main focus. What happens in the presence of form? How does form affect form? And how does form affect us? Bell’s choice, to intentionally play with our idea of balance invites us into considerations about the many aspects of spatial dialogue.

The title Rise Over Run refers to the nature of ‘the slope’. In algebra the term ‘slope’ is used to describe the steepness of a line in a coordinate system. By the use of these mathematical principles, we are allowed to gain access into analytical geometry. In the context of the present exhibition, the title points towards an examination of both the line, relation between form, and spatial expansion. Inka Bell’s wall-mounted 3-dimensional objects contain patterns created with paper through either solid or repetitive shapes. These structures separate the image and generate several forms. We notice how the patterns interact and affect each other while simultaneously guiding us into an understanding of the image as a sum. Whilst these works carry a strong internal dialogue, the 2-dimensional collages also challenge our perception of the external dialogue of the works in question. Through sheets of paper the large-scale constructions generate a distinct impact on their surroundings and the ambience of the space. The abstract, geometrical works nurture our spatial understanding and give us insight into how form exists as a constant influence. These thoughts can be translated into how interior space and architecture affect the human body and mind.

Inka Bell (b. 1981) graduated from the University of the Arts Helsinki in 2021 with a master’s degree from the Academy of Fine Arts. She lives and works in Helsinki, Finland. Rise Over Run is the artist’s first solo exhibition at Bricks Gallery.

The exhibition is supported by The Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Alfred Kordelin Foundation and The Finnish Cultural Institute in Denmark.