As a connoisseur of modern art who has traversed the globe to uncover hidden gems, I must say that the Jiro Takamatsu exhibition at Pace Gallery is nothing short of breathtaking. The sheer magnitude and breadth of his work, spanning various mediums and eras, left me spellbound.
Pace Gallery recently presented an extensive exhibition focusing on renowned Japanese artist Jiro Takamatsu, titled The World Expands. This comprehensive display delves into Takamatsu’s groundbreaking artistic endeavors spanning painting, photography, sculpture, and installation. It underscores the manner in which he bridged the realms of Dada and Surrealism with a Minimalist aesthetic that paved the way for an innovative creative expression during Japan’s Post-War era. Notably, this exhibition represents the most extensive display of Takamatsu’s works at the gallery since managing his estate in May.
As a devotee, I found myself among the innovative minds of Genpei Akasegawa and Natsuyuki Nakanishi, joining forces with Takamatsu to establish the groundbreaking collective, Hi Red Center (1963-1964). Our mission was to blur the lines between artistic expression and everyday life, engaging in unconventional tactics like forging one-sided Japanese banknotes and sending them as invitations to our exhibitions – an audacious act that earned us a trial and conviction.
As a passionate admirer, I’d say that Takamatsu left an indelible mark with his Shadow Paintings, a collection initiated in 1964 that continued until his passing in 1998. These works drew themes from daily life and the depiction of shadows in traditional Japanese paintings and woodblocks from the 19th century. Takamatsu breathed new life into these subjects, transforming them into ethereal outlines reminiscent of fog – a thought-provoking exploration into the philosophical and tangible roots of art itself.
Additionally showcased are a variety of sculptures and installations, such as “Cube” (1968) and “Strings in Bottles” (1963-85), as well as “Oneness of Marble” (1971) and “Smashing of Everything” (1972). Takamatsu’s extensive body of work, while seemingly chaotic, subtly intertwined concepts related to metaphysics. This work aimed to reveal the hidden connections between time, space, and emptiness.
The World Expands will be on view in New York until November 2, 2024.
Pace Gallery
540 West 25th Street,
New York, NY 10001
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2024-09-25 13:56