Friar's Lantern

Kristoffer Zeiner

m.simons is delighted to present Friar’s Lantern, the first solo exhibition by Kristoffer Zeiner at the gallery. The exhibition features a selection of paintings alongside a glass sculpture, showcasing Zeiner’s deep engagement with the fantasy genre, anime, and European folkloric traditions.

Zeiner is a painter whose works are often described as dreamy and existing somewhere between the figurative and the abstract. Using homemade oil paint applied in a very dry manner, his paintings acquire a texture reminiscent of tapestries, lending them a unique tactile and visual quality. Drawing inspiration from the visuals and concepts of fantasy games, he incorporates their symbols and layered narratives into his work, creating paintings that evoke a sense of otherworldly storytelling.

The title of the exhibition refers to a mysterious natural phenomenon often seen in swamps at night, commonly known as will-o’-the-wisp or, in Dutch, dwaallicht. This atmospheric ghost light, caused by naturally burning gases, has long been a source of intrigue and inspiration in folklore. It is said to lead—or mislead—weary travelers, serving as both a beacon and a trickster.

Zeiner imagines the exhibition as a loose narrative set in a fantasy game world. Some paintings function as landscapes through which visitors are invited to wander, while others present tokens meant to guide or challenge viewers on this imaginative quest. The interplay between these works creates an immersive environment, encouraging visitors to explore the mysterious and magical elements of Zeiner’s creative universe.

Accompanying the exhibition is a series of poems written by Aidan Wall, each responding to an individual painting in the show, as well as an introductory text that provides context and insight into the overarching themes of the exhibition.

Friar’s Lantern is on view at m.simons from January 17 until February 21, 2025. For further information or press inquiries, please contact Michiel Simons, m@michielsimons.com.

preview

Video

exhibition

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artworks

Lucky Broth
Kristoffer Zeiner
Lucky Broth
2024
oil on canvas
190 x 120 cm
Inferno Berry
Kristoffer Zeiner
Inferno Berry
2024
oil on canvas
200 x 130 cm
Mind Plus
Kristoffer Zeiner
Mind Plus
2024
oil on canvas
115 x 75 cm
Protect Drink
Kristoffer Zeiner
Protect Drink
2024
oil on canvas
115 x 75 cm
Eye Drops
Kristoffer Zeiner
Eye Drops
2024
oil on canvas
135 x 110 cm
Torch
Kristoffer Zeiner
Torch
2025
oil on canvas
30 x 20 cm
Whisperer
Kristoffer Zeiner
Whisperer
2024
oil on canvas
115 x 155 cm
Sinister Hat
Kristoffer Zeiner
Sinister Hat
2024
oil on canvas
145 x 110 cm
Flash Arrow
Kristoffer Zeiner
Flash Arrow
2024
oil on canvas
200 x 130 cm
Spadu Mirage
Kristoffer Zeiner
Spadu Mirage
2024
oil on canvas
115 x 75 cm

stock

No items found.

artworks

Torch
Torch
2025
oil on canvas
30 x 20 cm
Whisperer
Whisperer
2024
oil on canvas
115 x 155 cm
Sinister Hat
Sinister Hat
2024
oil on canvas
145 x 110 cm
Inferno Berry
Inferno Berry
2024
oil on canvas
200 x 130 cm
Flash Arrow
Flash Arrow
2024
oil on canvas
200 x 130 cm
Lucky Broth
Lucky Broth
2024
oil on canvas
190 x 120 cm
Eye Drops
Eye Drops
2024
oil on canvas
135 x 110 cm
Protect Drink
Protect Drink
2024
oil on canvas
115 x 75 cm
Mind Plus
Mind Plus
2024
oil on canvas
115 x 75 cm
Spadu Mirage
Spadu Mirage
2024
oil on canvas
115 x 75 cm