Contemporary ‘medieval’ miniatures by Gea Karhof
Those who are familiar with the work of Gea Karhof will not be surprised that I asked her to make a number of miniatures for ‘Seasons of Life’, a contemporary book of hours and pilgrims. If anyone can make ‘medieval’ miniatures, it’s Gea. In November 2013 I sent her a project description and wrote: ‘Miniatures for a contemporary book of hours are made for you. I’m hoping for at least four (very) small prints…’. Her response was immediate: ‘What a wonderful project! I’m happy to participate.’
Using the ancient technique of etching, Gea Karhof visualises a world in which many cultures and times meet in a single print. She travels all over the world and collects many stories and objects, which she then incorporates into her prints. She uses symbols from ancient cultures, but also icons from the twentieth century, such as Minny Mouse and Marilyn Monroe. In Gea’s work, fantasy, mythology and reality intermingle. All prints are printed in a limited edition and coloured by hand. The relief is created by embossing and the gloss by the applied gold leaf.
In the meantime, Gea has made four beautiful miniatures for ‘Seasons of Life’: very fine etchings, carefully provided with colour and gold leaf. Their vulnerability is endearing. The beauty of Gea Karhof’s prints evokes feelings of trust, kindness and justice. They represent a constructive worldview.
Although Gea Karhof uses an old technique, her subjects are very contemporary:
- Terra Nostra (April 22, International Earth Day)
- The Cloud (8 May, Communication Day)
- Celebrating Life (21 June, International Music Day)
- Celestials (October 2, The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels)
The accompanying image shows ‘The Cloud’. It is hard to imagine a more contemporary subject. You can see how nowadays people from all over the world are connected to each other. This communication revolution, the constant exchange of information and ideas, has major consequences for our thinking and actions. I don’t know where this will ultimately lead. Would all these collective brains be able to solve world problems? Or are there so many disadvantages to all that communication that there will hardly be any progress? Like Gea, I like it at first. What do you think?
Theo van Stiphout
Gea Karhof (Wieringen 1945).
Education: 1963-1965 Art Academy and Drawing Institute in Haarlem.
1966-1969 Gerrit Rietveld Academie training for art teacher.
1969-1974 Free graphics and painting. Teachers: Herman Gordijn, Ab Stok, Friso ten Holt.
Publications: a.o. ‘Gea Karhof, etchings as a voyage of discovery’, oeuvre catalogue ‘Gea Karhof, boundless graphics’.
Work by Gea Karhof is in the collection of Intermedi-Art Nijmegen.
