Why I admire Inka Essenhigh
I think I stumbled upon Inka’s artwork through a Bomb article posted online in early 2000. Shortly afterwards, I had the happy coincidence of seeing one of her pieces (“Supernatural”) at COCA in Seattle.
I try to make a point of visiting her website about once every 6 months, just to see if she has any new paintings up.
I’m a huge fan of Francis Bacon (the painter), and there is just something about the way Inka distorts the human figure, animals, and landscapes that reminds me of his work. But Inka’s work is grander, her narratives broader, the fading horizons of the painting border less dismal and murky.
If I could be singer/songwriter I would want to be Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian. If I could be an artist who draws, I would be William Kentridge. But if I could be a painter, I think I would want to be Inka Essenhigh.
