East meets West down South

Nikki Green beside her work Emunah (Faith)

Nikki Green's East West: A Pilgrimage is the latest solo exhibition on at the Butter Factory Studios in Denmark. It is the culmination of a journey that took Nikki to 'the crossroads of ancient civilisations in Turkey and Israel ... and to the cultural diversity in New York'. While overseas in 2012 Green delved into the mystical side of her Jewish heritage alongside an exploration of printmaking techniques in studios in Israel and New York. 

Mandala Series, black and white photographs

The geometry found in architecture, nature and eastern ornament is strongly evident in this current series of works by Green. Shown above are a series of photographs that have informed her work.

 The sublimely beautiful work Emunah (Faith) which is pictured at the top, has finely layered white on white multiple lino block prints. The effect is simple and mesmerising, capturing the essence of sacred geometries.

  Below is the work Etz Chaim (Tree of Life) which was an early work created by Green while in New York. The Etz Chaim is a symbol of energetic balance.

Etz Chaim (Tree of Life), lino block print on paper

 Below is Alul (The Emanation Series) a set of prints on canvas. The original prints were created by layering up to seven carved lino blocks of different sizes to create the varied but harmonic series.

Alul (The Emanation Series), glycee prints on canvas

In this next set, the work on the right is Ein Sof (Without End) and the two works on the right are Segulah (Treasure). They explore ideas of the subconscious, unity and inner treasure.

Eis Sof ( Without End) and Segulah (Treasure), lino prints on paper

This exhibition is on until the 11th February and is worth a visit if you are in the area. The works have a duality of simplicity and complexity which is quite intriguing. Green uses the interplay of texture, pattern and colour to great effect, at times restrained and at other times bold and complex. 

General view of the exhibition