Andrea Kvas: Painting as Process, Between Control and Chance

Andrea Kvas (born 1986 in Trieste, lives in Milan) discusses his analytical approach to painting, emphasizing process over final form. He works with industrial materials like wall putty, vinyl glue, and shellac, derived from his training as a decorator, avoiding traditional fine art supplies. Kvas often paints on unstretched canvases laid horizontally, allowing the material to react during drying. He values surprise and guided chance, frequently repainting and sanding surfaces until an unexpected result emerges. His works are physical, inviting viewers to move around them, and he rejects a single privileged viewpoint. Kvas has curated shows such as 'Elephant Talk' (Car Drde, Bologna, 2013) and 'Dopapine' (San Giovanni Valdarno, 2014), and his exhibition 'Lo spavento della terra' at Clima, Milan, featured works by M'onma and Jonatah Manno. Influences include Sigmar Polke, Helen Frankenthaler, and Hélio Oiticica. Key solo exhibitions: 'Campo' at Museo Marino Marini, Florence (2013); 'Starting Contest' at Ermes-Ermes, Vienna (2015). Group shows: 'That's IT!' at MAMbo, Bologna (2018); 'Premio Cairo', Milan (2016).