In this era of technological over saturation and crisis, even the most resilient human beings find ways to disengage. It is a natural defense mechanism developed after thousands of years loving, and yet fearing, ourselves and others.

Swedish artist and printmaker Åsa Kvissberg explores this concept of human dissonance during modern times in her latest collection of works titled “Connecting/Disconnecting: The impact of social media.” While the subject matter is heavy, it will resonate with most on a primal level, and is not foreboding.

Although some of the pieces are more direct in their statements, others will induce a line of internal questioning. Kvissberg’s technique of multi-layering provides a chaotic, yet ordered backdrop depicting humans in everyday tasks – often with or amongst our varied tools of confusion.

The collection, which is currently on display at the Monarch/Arredon Contemporary Gallery in La Jolla until Jan. 15, poses one question to which the artist wishes to invoke: “Is this a problem?”

“I am by no means implying that social media is wrong,” said Kvissberg. “As humans, we have this innate desire to be the most popular, to be the happiest or make the most money. While this competition is natural, it presents a ‘false reality’ or ‘duplicitous self’ on the Internet.”

Her works cover a range of media: oil tempera, prints made from hand-created etchings, wax and mixed media. While the wax pieces tend to create a lighter, warmer feel (by general nature), the etchings remain a shade darker in content and color palate.

“I’ve always been interested in depicting human relationships, from mostly a feministic point of view,” said Kvissberg. “My aim for this collection was to let everyone know that there can be a ‘space for everyone’ as an individual. When we disconnect from our true reality – the ones we love – what becomes our actual reality?”

There is an underlying maternal instinct contiguous throughout Kvissberg’s pieces. They induce that visceral feeling of a concerned mother, primarily concerned with the health of her children.

“Utilmately, with these works, I just want people to listen and be open to being different,” said Kvissberg.

Kvissberg works from her downtown studio, SDstudio4Art, splitting time between here and Stockholm, Sweden. Though she has several collections shown a year, Kvissberg still finds time to teach younger artists. The question she poses as an artist is a universal one, and during this time of year, it seems more of a welcomed reminder than ever.

*The Monarch/Arredon Contemporary Gallery is Open: Tues. – Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment Sun. and Mon. For more information or to schedule a special curated tour please contact the gallery at [email protected] or 858-454-1231.