Like an early bird, Mackenzie Perras walks into his studio and paints his mornings in prismatic hues. In a choreographed dance, he sways between the heaps of materials, colors and textures that radiate through his space. Raised in the arms of Canadian winters and inclined to explore from early on, Mackenzie accumulates years of nomadic ventures living abroad. His spirited thirst to wander is an undeniable undertone in his poise and practice. Prone to nurturing an aware gaze for life, Mackenzie touches on how his upbringing as a Tibetan buddhist sprung new forms of interaction with the world.
“My fascination with decay and dissolution of meaning, as well as the concept of cyclical time were deeply influenced by my early years”.
Mackenzie layers the trace of materials
For the last 10 years, an intrinsic fascination for history, archaeology and ancestral heritage have sustained Mackenzie’s practice as a professional abstract painter. As a principal outset to his process, he turns to diligent historical and ethnological research. Such approach leads him to distill the contextual nuances of materials and explore the significance attributed to primal forms of creation. By tracing back the origins of materials, he honors past tradition and humanity’s ongoing engagement with a particular element. Similarly, his process renders a depurated approach to spirituality. Coupled with a breadth of cultural references, Mackenzie’s mindful exploration of materiality discloses their “essence”. His process allows for an interaction with numerous subject matters – nature, sustainability, religion, mythology and oral traditions – that foster a broader and more compassionate understanding of reality.
“I engage in a worldbuilding process through materials and abstract painting. It is a spiritual process in which I intend to unpack their history, and their future. That allows for a deeper understanding of the material’s spirit”.
Images by PILOTENKUECHE or supplied by the artist
Through geometric and architectural constructions, Mackenzie layers and documents the cadence of time. “I intend to transcend identity with my work. My pieces are concerned with time, impermanence and the geological. The real forces of nature”. By presenting objects at the limit of legibility, Mackenzie’s practice brings meaning outwards in a fundamentally mysterious manner. “I’m interested in challenging the viewer. To see what they can excavate from these images and what ideas they can create by themselves”. With a drive to convey a genuine sense of discovery, Mackenzie assembles disorienting and mesmerizing overlaps of time.
Conversing with an amalgam of references
Along with dedicated research, Mackenzie’s groundwork begins by situating himself in the cultural landscape he’s referencing and engaging personally with local communities. Once the scaffolding is built, he meticulously defines the “phases of construction” of his practice. Working layer over layer, Mackenzie forges a stratum of secrets gradually revealing to curious eyes. Discussing his upcoming projects, Mackenzie discloses a genuine interest in Mesoamerican culture and admits that:
“I was born in North America, but didn’t learn about Mesoamerican culture. It’s not understood that it’s one the world’s most important cultures. The depth of richness in those societies was deliberately erased by colonialism. I wanted to know the history and the belief systems of the continent I grew up in”.
Acknowledging the progressive rhythm of creation, Mackenzie’s process becomes the focus of his practice. Alluding to creators such as Anselm Kiefer and Mark Bradford, Mackenzie Perras’ limitless approach to artistic creation comes forth in a rich amalgam of references and materials.
Written by Júlia Polo
Keep up on the latest from Mackenzie through his instagram.
PK & Friends / Open Studio / BYOBuffet
Fri 4 Nov
7-10
talk by curators, Claudia Caletti and Mary Osaretin Omoregie
PILOTENKUECHE
Franz-Flemming-Str 9
04179 Leipzig
Pleasure Seed
Sat 17 Dec 7-10PM
ARS AVANTI
Alte Handelsschule
Giesserstr 75
04229 Leipzig