Konrad Fischer

Yuji Takeoka

01 Feb - 08 Mar 2008

YUJI TAKEOKA
Neue Arbeiten
February 1 - March 8, 2008

Opening: February 01, 2008, 6pm - 9pm

On Friday, February 1st, from 6 to 9pm the Konrad Fischer Gallery will open the first solo exhibition of the Japanese artist Yuji Takeoka in Berlin.

Takeoka, whose work has become well known since his participation at the documenta IX in 1992, has been living and working in Düsseldorf since 1973. In the mid-eighties Takeoka started to explore the theme of the pedestal which soon after became the focus of his sculptural work. Against their traditional function as instruments of distinction his pedestals always remain empty. Thus Takeoka confronts us with pedestals as autonomous and fully legible sculptural forms and by doing so comments on the entire development of modern sculpture. This conceptual dimension of his work, however, always remains strongly connected to the concrete perception of each work in its singularity. The slick surfaces, pure colors and geometric shapes of Takeoka’s sculptures appear at first glance akin to the Minimal Art of the 60's but after a closer look strong differences become evident. The sculptural work of Takeoka seems to trust precisely in the power of pure appearance and aura of form, color and material which was rejected by artists like Judd or Flavin. The exhibition in Berlin will contain new floor pieces, some of the Corner Works from 2007 and other wall related works.
 

Tags: Yuji Takeoka