Cerulean: The Language of Color: Julius Karoubi, Lisa Liljeström, Patrick Salutt, Peter Mohall, Sandra Vaka, Sigve Knutson

In the realm of art, colors transcend mere visual phenomena to become rich tapestries of language and emotion. Each color has a name, and each name carries with it a universe of associations and meanings. The more nuanced our language for color, the more intricate our web of associations becomes.

Cerulean, derived from the Latin word "caeruleus" meaning "dark blue," is not just a shade of blue; it is an example of how color can bridge the gap between the sky and the sea, capturing the tranquility and depth of the natural world. The name itself evokes a sense of calmness and serenity, qualities that the color blue universally represents in color theory. Blue is often associated with feelings of peace, trust, and stability. In the context of Cerulean, these associations are amplified, embodying a lighter, more vibrant quality, akin to the clear sky at noon or the pristine waters of a tropical ocean.

However, one does not need to know the name Cerulean to feel its impact. Our eyes, finely attuned instruments of perception, respond to color on an instinctual level. The human brain processes color in the visual cortex, where it is immediately linked to memory and emotion without the need for verbal identification. This is the beauty of color in art; it communicates directly with our subconscious, evoking feelings and memories that words alone cannot capture.

The artists in this exhibition bring together diverse techniques and themes, creating a unified dialogue that explores the multifaceted language of color and emotion. Julius Karoubi's mosaics blend traditional techniques with contemporary themes, while Lisa Liljeström's airbrush paintings investigate the changing emotional tones of images. Patrick Salutt delves into existential questions through depictions of sports and nature moments, and Peter Mohall's idyllic landscapes balance narrative quality with abstract elements. Sandra Vaka juxtaposes elements like water and technology in her photography, creating transformative visuals, and Sigve Knutson's monochromatic ceramic sculptures reconnect with humanity’s collective creative past.

Cerulean is more than a color; it is an experience that transcends the need for verbal identification. Our eyes, finely attuned instruments of perception, respond to color on an instinctual level. The human brain processes color in the visual cortex, where it is immediately linked to memory and emotion without the need for verbal identification. This exhibition lets the colors speak to you through the feelings and memories they evoke.

In the end, it is this unspoken language of color that connects us all, transcending words and touching the very essence of our human experience.

Julius Karoubi (b. 1998, Norway, lives and works in Oslo) creates unique mosaic pieces that blend traditional techniques with contemporary themes. His work often incorporates found objects and post-consumer packaging, reflecting a collage-like approach that resonates with his personal and cultural heritage. His art transforms everyday items into something profoundly new and meaningful, exploring questions around culture, tradition, history, and materiality through his urban, archaeological practice.

Lisa Liljeström (b. 1998, Sweden, lives and works in Oslo) uses the medium of airbrush painting to distinguish fragments, distort, and transfer information from existing images, rather than creating new ones. Through conscious collecting and editing of digital reference photos, she investigates how different images' original emotional tones can change. Her approach often leads to a cryptic and slightly unsettling aura, challenging the viewer’s perception and evoking a sense of mystery.

Patrick Salutt (b. 1992, Switzerland, lives and works in Susch and Paris) expands between the heights of nature mysticism and the earthy pragmatism of bodily encryptions and manifestations. His pieces explore existential questions through depictions of sports and nature moments, originating from the alpine traditions of an ancient Rhaeto-Romanic society. There is a raw authenticity in his work, grounded in the understanding that the body knows and always knew, beyond intellectual escapism.

Peter Mohall (b. 1979, Sweden, lives and works in Norway) depicts serenely cultivated landscapes inspired by his experiences in Swedish and Norwegian environments and the works of Nordic artists. His use of earthy jute and bold, idyllic scenes create a contemplative space rather than one of engulfment. Mohall’s works balance narrative quality with non-figural elements such as color theory, form, and texture, inviting viewers to explore the abstraction within the composition. His signature cast color swatches further destabilize narrative cohesion, emphasizing gesture and repetition.

Sandra Vaka (b. 1980, Norway, lives and works in Stavanger) explores themes of human perception, body, and identity through her photography, sculpture, and installation work. In this exhibition, she presents her photography, where she juxtaposes elements like water and technology to create abstract and transformative visuals. Her conceptual approach challenges traditional photographic techniques, using ephemeral materials to explore constantly evolving realities.

Sigve Knutson (b. 1991, Norway, lives and works in Oslo and Lillesand) creates small monochromatic ceramic sculptures that reflect his fascination with intuitive and playful creation processes. His work often draws from the first known man-made objects, aiming to reconnect with humanity’s collective creative past. In addition to his ceramic works, Knutson engages with various materials and forms, emphasizing material experiences and inviting interaction and engagement with the objects he creates.