Artist: Ur Kasin

JD Malat Gallery presents contemporary Romanian artist Ur Kasin’s debut solo exhibition in London, All Is Blurred. This show marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing six monumental compositions that explore the psychological journey of a character that he has created, navigating his way through a complex and unforgiving world.

Kasin subverts the traditional subject matter of the large-scale canvas, typically reserved for grand historical subjects, by focusing on everyday actions. Whether it’s enjoying a glass of Asahi, indulging in that McDonald’s drive-through meal, or clutching onto your morning coffee as you rush to work: Kasin depicts these habitual actions, inviting viewers to look beyond the ordinary. What initially seems like routine behaviour reveals deeper layers of hidden pressures and unhealthy societal habits embedded in our daily lives, transforming common actions into a powerful critique of contemporary culture.

This exhibition chronicles the days of the week, emphasising themes of self-discovery, emotional confusion, and the intricate relationship between personal experiences and inner emotional states. Through a blend of figurative and abstract elements, Kasin masterfully depicts the blurred realities of growing up, transitioning from the perceived structure of childhood to the uncertainty of adulthood. Each painting portrays different emotional and psychological phases, starting with frustration, moving through moments of self-reflection and doubt, and concluding with emotional numbness and fleeting relief. This narrative underscores the gradual shift from clarity to confusion as this character gradually processes through a week in his life, offering viewers a deeply personal and relatable exploration of life’s complexities.

Integral to Kasin's practice is a technologically driven process which he describes as the 'seed’, an initial thought that he nurtures through online sketches and collages. This enables him to experiment freely, shaping his thoughts and refining his vision. Kasin then brings these digital concepts into the analogue realm, acting as a scribe who translates his creations into physical forms through expressive charcoal drawings. Building upon the contrasts and depths of his initial drawings, Kasin intricately crafts a colour palette, brushwork, and palette-knife textures, creating richly layered compositions on canvas. This process highlights Kasin's technical versatility while underscoring his exploration of the duality between technology and traditional painting, a theme that resonates strongly within his oeuvre. Through his innovative use of digital tools, Kasin embodies the spirit of a new generation of artists, for whom technology is not just a tool but a powerful medium shaping the future of visual culture.

All Is Blurred is imbued with deep symbolism, where motifs like the rainbow serve as potent representations of a higher realm. He also utilises bodily disfigurement as a metaphor for his character's internal conflicts, reflecting the disarray and psychological turmoil that many grapple with in modern society. The exhibition's abstraction correlates with the character’s emotional state, with greater levels of abstraction representing heightened intoxication and alienation, echoing a descent into madness and numbness. This thematic arc delves into the casual culture of drinking and its profound effects on mental health, especially among the youth, inviting viewers to confront and reflect on issues of addiction, isolation, and existential struggle. The use of these symbols and metaphors challenges the audience to navigate these deeply emotional landscapes, fostering a dialogue on the complexities of self-awareness, emotional detachment, and the search for meaning in an increasingly detached world.

In addition to the six paintings, All Is Blurred features preparatory studies that offer a glimpse into Kasin’s creative process, as well as smaller drawings that highlight details of the larger works. These pieces combine figurative and abstract elements to explore the character’s existential and emotional struggles, charting a week in the life that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. From dawn to dusk, the exhibition captures a journey of tension, introspection, and the hope for transformation. In an era where many struggle to find their place in an increasingly complex world, All Is Blurred is a powerful reminder that hope, however fleeting, remains within reach.