The Dutch-born artist Very Kori, a self-described “embracer

of weird”, creates colorful, soothing works — paintings,

drawings, ceramics — that interweave self-exploration,

mental health and the practice of caring (for oneself

and others). Kori has lived in Berlin since 2015, and this

year the Retramp Gallery presents “Idioteque”, her third

solo exhibition in her adopted home.

As the war in Europe and heat waves rage on, it’s hard to

imagine a more apropos summer show than “Idioteque”.

The works, composed of gouache, ink, and acrylic on

canvas, are a reflection inspired by the homonymous

Radio Head’s track from the 2000 album “Kid A”. The lyrics,

written by Thom Yorke, reference climate change, war,

and technological breakdowns.

Most of the works on display, including two of the artist’s

largest works to date, have been produced over the course

of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her artistic process during that

time was focused on personal exploration and is reflected

by her playful compositions, movement, and transposition

of vibrant personal emotions into abstraction. The subtle

contrasts of hues, both vivid and soft, both warm and cool

give the viewer a possibility of grasping the core feeling

of each painting, by way of imagination.