Sabrina Bockler’s paintings are captivating and unsettling, blending elements of Rococo and Dutch Golden Age painting to create dynamic and intriguing scenes. At first glance, her works may appear serene, with tables set beautifully or floral arrangements in vibrant colors. However, upon closer inspection, the viewer is met with a sense of unease as they discover hidden details like two-headed geese, animals ravaging food on a table, or the sensation of being watched.
Drawing inspiration from traditional vanitas paintings, Bockler infuses her compositions with a sense of chaos and disorder. In her painting “Through the Glass Darkly,” a seemingly tranquil tablescape is disrupted by the presence of abandoned fruit and fish staring back at the viewer. Mysterious eyes peer through glasses of wine, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the scene.
In “Beg, Borrow, and Steal,” currently on display at the Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Bockler explores the theme of abundance and excess through a chaotic scene of dogs and cats devouring a table full of produce, flowers, seafood, and meat. While these opulent displays are often associated with wealth and refinement, Bockler introduces a sense of unnaturalness and madness that lurks beneath the surface.
Bockler’s upcoming solo exhibition, “Impending Rapture,” at Beers London promises to showcase more of her evocative and thought-provoking works. With a unique blend of traditional painting techniques and contemporary sensibilities, Bockler’s art invites viewers to reconsider notions of beauty, luxury, and the darker aspects of human nature.
For those interested in exploring more of Sabrina Bockler’s work, her website and Instagram offer a comprehensive look at her portfolio. With each painting telling a story and inviting viewers to delve deeper into its layers of meaning, Bockler’s art is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the complexities of the human experience.
