Chance and coincidence are key factors in the works of George Korsmit. At first glance, they appear to be random, hypnotic accumulations of colours and shapes, but upon closer inspection, they are the result of a set of carefully predetermined actions. Colours, dimensions and shapes are decided by a roll of the die, and a ‘blind’ colour pick. The outcome of this method is always unpredictable and free of figuration. Korsmit refers to it as ‘ritualised chance’.
Since 2008, Korsmit has regularly collaborated with others on location, outside of his workshop. Rather than acting as an auteur, he takes on an intermediary role, only deciding the steps and rules governing the work’s creation.
In the project Sending Out The Gods (2013-ongoing), he works with female shamans on the sacred mountain In Wang in Seoul. Korsmit found kindred spirits in the shamans, who also incorporated chance and colours in their rituals. Together, they make recipes for new works. The shamans’ advice determines the final appearance of the work.
George Korsmit and artist Saskia Janssen founded the Rainbow Soulclub together, a collaboration project with visitors of walk-in centre Blaka Watra in Amsterdam (2005-ongoing).
In Club Solo, George Korsmit will be showing works spanning his entire oeuvre, including some new works and a selection from the Rainbow Soulclub archive.