Biomorphic, Tactile Imagery: Painting by Jarmila Kostliva
Language Drill, acrylic on canvas
Jarmila Kostliva was born in Prague and went on to study art within the Czech Republic – though her works have been exhibited across the world including in North America. The artist combines tropes of figurative and abstract painting to create biomorphic, tactile imagery in paint.
Beams on Data, acrylic on canvas
It’s quite fascinating to look at Jarmila’s works, especially in the way that she seems to use figurative painting techniques to add volume and texture to seemingly abstract forms. Whether it’s a central blob-like shape or an elongated form snaking across the entire surface of the canvas, each seems to take on a life of its own and a visible, tangible existence. As noted in our previous feature of Jarmila’s frantic paintings, each form seems to have a distinctly organic, biological feel.
The selection of recent works on Jarmila's website
The color schemes that Jarmila works with are also noteworthy. I like the way she combines dark, muddy neutrals with incredibly vibrant reds, yellows and blues. The contrast between the colors is electric and serves to create further layers over the painted surface.
