Lev Khesin, a prominent artist originally from Penza, Russia, has forged an impressive career in Berlin since 1999. His innovative approach to painting blurs the boundaries between traditional art forms and sculpture, inviting viewers into a tactile and vivid exploration of color and texture.
Khesin’s work centers on the use of translucent silicone, layered meticulously to create complex visual effects. Each piece is built through a labor-intensive process where dozens to hundreds of silicone layers are applied, each infused with pigments that shift in hue and transparency. This technique not only captivates the eye but also engages the sense of touch, challenging the viewer’s perception of what painting can be.
A prime example of Khesin’s captivating artistry is a large painting that undoubtedly dominates the room. However, it doesn’t dazzle; its restrained purple—consisting of dimmed cobalt blue and sunset red—functions as a calm center that is a source of its power. This contemplative work allows the beholder to perceive, in the light’s vertical blurrings, the bright forms of his innermost beliefs. It is a spiritual piece that alludes to miracles, akin to an icon or an El Greco.
Graduating from Frank Badur’s master class in Berlin, Khesin’s art diverges from conventional linguistic frameworks, embracing a cognitive exploration of materiality. His dedication to experimentation leads to unique outcomes, with surfaces that can be smooth or textured, enhancing the visual experience of his work.
Since 2005, Khesin has showcased his art across the globe, participating in numerous solo and group exhibitions in countries including Germany, the USA, Italy, and Japan. His solo exhibitions include “Haecceitas” at Sebastian Fath Contemporary in Mannheim and “Flors i Fruites” at Evelyn Drewes | Galerie in Hamburg, both scheduled for 2024. Previous solo exhibitions include “Redundancy” at Evelyn Drewes | Galerie in 2023 and “Genesis” at Evelyn Drewes | Galerie in 2021, among others.
Khesin’s group exhibitions have broadened his reach, with notable participations in “Roter Kunstsalon” at Museum Villa Rot in 2024 and “ripensare lo spazio e il tempo” at Palazzo dei Principi in 2023. His involvement in “SAALON der Gegenwart” in Hamburg in 2020 and “Cosmoscow Art Fair” in 2019 highlights his significance in the contemporary art scene.
Khesin’s book, Morphologie, published by Distanz Verlag in 2019, further illustrates his artistic philosophy and practice. He continues to redefine the landscape of contemporary art, proving that the interplay of color and material can evoke profound sensory experiences. As he prepares for upcoming shows in prestigious venues, his work remains a beacon of innovation in the art world, inviting audiences to engage on multiple sensory levels.
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