Finnish born (1979 Tampere) Berlin based artist Ville Kylätasku has created new works for Barvinskyi Gallery / Spark Art Fair in which he concentrates on intimate facets of human existence. In his recent paintings Kylätasku celebrates love in all its nuances.

Firstly, as opposed to the self-referencing and inwardness often associated with contemporary art, Kylätasku boldly reaches for large-scale topics of a human and metaphysical nature. And further, as an antithesis to an atmosphere dampened by postmodern irony, he does not retreat to artificial coolness but instead, deals with life and art with a passion, showing sincere interest towards grand questions.

It is fitting that Kylätasku likes to declare his wish of a "new Renaissance". Both the respect for man's zest for life and the attempt to face big questions with fresh eyes remind of the spirit of Renaissance humanism.

Kylätasku's words bring to mind the English critic Walter Pater and his book on the Renaissance, perhaps the best-known account of art in the period. The frequently quoted final chapter of the book is, in essence, a synopsis of Pater's own hedonistic worldview. In it, he asks: ”How shall we pass most swiftly from point to point, and be present always at the focus where the greatest number of vital forces unite in their purest energy?” The answer he offers: ”Of such wisdom, the poetic passion, the desire of beauty, the love of art for its own sake, has most. For art comes to you proposing frankly to give nothing but the highest quality to your moments as they pass, and simply for those moments’ sake.”

Lust for life, moments of quality and words appraising the value of art and love in general could be just as well Kylätasku's descriptions of his art and his attitude on life. Love is clearly the answer, also for Kylätasku.