Vicki Genberg is an American artist who lives and works in both Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Verbier, Switzerland. She completed a BFA at the School of Visual Arts in New York and then did an MFA at RMIT from Melbourne in conjunction with the Hong Kong Art School in Hong Kong. The natural environment is a strong influence on her work. Living in the Alps gave her lots of exposure to the strength and force of natural elements and the cycle of life and death. Living in Hong Kong, the influence was more centered on material and process. Oil paints were not so available, but Chinese ink, paper, fabric, and house paint were. She adapted her free-flowing, intuitive mark-making using those materials.
Genberg’s artistic journey is a vivid tapestry woven from the diverse threads of her life experiences and environments. Her work is a testament to her ability to draw inspiration from the natural world and the materials she finds around her. The dynamic interplay between these influences is evident in her unique approach to art.
Genberg’s time in the Alps profoundly impacted her understanding of nature’s raw power and beauty. The rugged, majestic landscapes and the ever-changing weather patterns taught her about the cyclical nature of life and death. This understanding manifests in her work through a deep respect for the natural elements and a recognition of their transient yet powerful existence. The strength and force of nature are not just subjects in her art but also metaphors for the human condition.
In Verbier, Switzerland, surrounded by the grandeur of the Alps, Genberg found herself deeply moved by the landscapes. The sheer scale and beauty of the mountains inspired her to explore themes of strength and vulnerability. The ever-present reminder of life’s cycles, evident in the changing seasons and the ebb and flow of natural life, became central to her artistic narrative.
Conversely, her time in Hong Kong shifted her focus towards the materials and processes available in that urban environment. Hong Kong, with its bustling cityscape and limited access to traditional Western art supplies, pushed Genberg to innovate. She began using Chinese ink, paper, fabric, and house paint—materials readily available in her surroundings. This period marked a significant evolution in her technique, as she adapted her free-flowing, intuitive mark-making to new mediums.
The shift from oil paints to these alternative materials wasn’t just a practical adaptation but a transformative experience. It allowed Genberg to explore new textures, forms, and expressions. Her work began to reflect the fluidity and immediacy of the materials she used, leading to a more spontaneous and organic creative process.
One of Genberg’s works, “Les Trois Gars” (The Three Dudes), exemplifies her ability to blend traditional themes with contemporary issues. This piece is a modern riff on the classical theme of “Les Trois Grâces,” the daughters of Zeus in Greek mythology, who represent beauty, joy, and elegance. In Genberg’s interpretation, the three figures conceal guns behind their backs, bringing gifts of violence and domination through force instead. This stark contrast highlights the disturbing reality of modern power dynamics, where might often takes precedence over right.
The technique used in “Les Trois Gars” is characterized by free-flowing marks in ink, reinforced with oil pastel. This method emphasizes the underlying power and tension within the piece. The dark colors further underscore the theme, creating a visual narrative that speaks to the complexities of human nature and societal structures. The work challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths about violence and control in contemporary society.
Vicki Genberg’s art is shaped by her experiences in diverse environments and her ability to adapt to new materials and processes. Her work reflects a deep engagement with both the natural world and the human condition, exploring themes of strength, vulnerability, power, and transformation.
Living in two distinct cultural and environmental landscapes has given Genberg a unique perspective that she brings to her art. In Kuala Lumpur, she continues to explore the interplay of materials and process, drawing from the vibrant and dynamic cultural milieu. In Verbier, the natural beauty of the Alps continues to inspire her, grounding her work in the elemental forces of nature.
Genberg’s ability to navigate these dual influences and incorporate them into her art makes her work both compelling and thought-provoking. Her pieces invite viewers to reflect on the forces that shape our world and our lives, offering a rich, multi-layered experience that resonates on both a personal and universal level.
