There's a lot going on in Maren Karlson’s semi-abstract, semi-pornographic, semi-flat-surfaced paintings & drawings. Karlson is a Berlin-based illustrator whose work you will recognize if you spend a lot of time trolling around Tumblr. The obscure spaces, awkwardly shaped figures and Miss Karlson’s harmonious palette are all very distinguishable. There is an underlying nostalgia in her work. Karlson’s flat graphic shapes and subtle gradients in the background have a similar feel to a retro video game. As if her denizens are on a move to the next “world”, or in this case a painting. Moreover, the work screams – gradually and gallantly – “girl power”. None of the abstract female figures are, by any means, centerfolds. Their fleshy thick thighs may remind one of Robert R. Crumb and the rippling construction of the limbs resonates with Inka Essenhigh.
Maren Karlson: “Cockroach Queen” is on view now at 99¢ Plus Gallery until September 27th
More on Maren:
http://marenkarlson.com/portfolio/
http://www.fvckthemedia.com/issue25/fan-club
http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/maren-karlsons-illustrations-are-like-comics-from-hell
http://www.booooooom.com/2015/08/20/artist-spotlight-maren-karlson/