CTRL+S (2020)

Weaving Realities: Laftmonk’s Artistic Exploration of Displaced Identities and Fragile Worlds

In “CTRL+S” Laftmonk plays with the different techniques and styles she has mastered over the years in her latest study on social identities ID#. Complex geometrical textile webbing techniques fuse with painting, photography and collage, resulting in subdued surrealistic psychological portraits clearly influenced by Francis Bacon as well as more colorful abstract images with streaks of street art and intricate textile sculptures and installation. She seamlessly mixes all to build the synthesis of ideas and concepts that have been revolving in her oeuvre about this new world emerging around us. This world is fragile and disintegrated, in constant transformation, desperately in need of protection. It’s seen through human or insect eyes with estranged shreds of reality, hidden in veiled layers. Her world is populated with displaced people, shifted identities, endangered exotic species, struggling to re-find their balance with each other and an endangered environment, yet beautiful in its layered fragility, precious and full of hope to be saved.

Born and raised in France from Algerian descent, educated in France and US, Laftmonks work has been shown internationally in renowned museums and galleries, amongst which the Museum of Art and Industry André-Diligent in France; Cheongju Art Center, Korea; De Cordova Museum, Massachusettes; Santa Fe Art institute, New Mexico; Blue Star Contemporary, Texas, The Old Mint, San Francisco CA and, early next year, in Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris. Her work can be found in private collections internationally including Los Angeles, Washington, New York, San Francisco, London and Paris.