John Körner is an artist who uses watered-down paint to create ephemeral landscapes, yet they are so bright they appear as if they are backlit. "Frisland After Rain" is a typical work where the land, sea and sky all leak into one another to give a dream-like quality.
The sun shines so brightly in "12 O'Clock at The Beach", it glistens off the bodies of sunbathers and almost melts the face of the cyclist passing in front of it. Other works resemble a double exposure and it's impressive how coherent his paintings look in spite of the uncertainty of the interaction between water and paint.
Though these pieces are eye-catching, visitors will be immediately drawn to the "tidal wave" within the gallery. The floor inclines upwards and the carpet changes tone to resemble a tsunami, cresting near the ceiling. Sailing unawares in front of it is a boat full of ceramic bean-shaped sculptures. The wave doesn't appear foreboding, so it's unclear whether this is a desperate or a meditative piece. Yet the installation is very impressive, especially how the carpet changes colour to match its intensity.
Körner's surreal and eye-catching landscapes are a joy to behold and, with the addition of the indoor tsunami, this is an illusory exhibition we thoroughly enjoyed.
John Kørner: Fallen Fruit from Frisland is on display at Victoria Miro, 16 Wharf Road, N1 7RW until 2 March. Admission is free.
