"Underneath" Solo Exhibition by Maja Laerkholm at gallery fu, Yokohama, Japan (Jan -Feb 2024)

"Underneath"

In this exhibition, Maja Laerkholm explores the commonality that often lies hidden, shared among us despite being subtle at first glance. The collection is thoughtfully divided into two distinctive styles—the industrial aesthetics and the natural landscapes—yet united by a common thread: recycled paper. The recycled paper is what connects the paintings (underneath) even though they don't look alike on the surface.

This exploration extends beyond art; just as people can have something in common even though they don't look alike at first glance, the paintings share a hidden connection. This metaphor mirrors the human experience, emphasizing that underneath the visible differences, cultures, etc., people often have more in common than initially thought. So, if you are curious about those who surround you, you might discover what you have in common.

Each piece in this exhibition is linked through a shared history. The recycled paper used in these artworks originates from overseas, once wrapping the artist's belongings as she and her family journeyed from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Tokyo. This unseen connection of the artworks invites viewers to uncover the shared narrative that binds them together.