Claudia Kogachi, PHAR LAP, 2020. Acrylic on canvas, 25 x 25cm. Courtesy: the artist and Sanderson Contemporary, Auckland.
As the title suggests, Claudia Kogachi’s new exhibition Everyone Has A Horse Phase explores the obsessive ‘horsey’ stage usually associated with preteens. At 24 years old, Kogachi’s horsey phase is somewhat delayed – her new body of horse themed works have a nostalgic 90’s Saddle Club appeal.
After collecting 1980s racehorse magazines, Kogachi was intrigued by how the publication had depicted these racing icons; relaxed, still and without their riding gear. Taking inspiration from the magazine portraits, the horses are painted in Kogachi’s signature flat, naive style. The horses have comical eyebrows, human looking eyes and irregular shapes shadows.
Kogachi has exhibited her paintings recently at the 2019 Beijing Biennale. In 2019, she was the winner of the New Zealand Painting & Printmaking Award. Her works are included in significant public and private collections. This is her third solo exhibition at Sanderson.
Exhibition opens: 5–7pm Tuesday 25 February 2020
