Kishio Suga
Units of Dependency, 1974/2023
concrete blocks, grass
blocos de concreto, grama
blocos de concreto, grama
variable dimensions
dimensões variáveis
dimensões variáveis
'Units of Dependency' (1974) emerges as a multidimensional masterpiece, a structure that straddles the realms of art, nature, and industrial prowess. Crafted from open-core cinder blocks intricately woven with tufts...
"Units of Dependency" (1974) emerges as a multidimensional masterpiece, a structure that straddles the realms of art, nature, and industrial prowess. Crafted from open-core cinder blocks intricately woven with tufts of grass that defiantly pierce through its layers, this installation becomes a tapestry of transient connections. Within this artistic marvel, temporal compositions merge with the interplay of organic and manufactured elements, reflecting Suga's profound inquiry into their physical essence, their intricate existence, and their intricate relationship with the surroundings that embrace them.
At its core, Suga embarks on a captivating exploration of the symbiotic dynamics between the individual and materials. This theme is a focal point he delves into, not just through passive observation, but through live, dynamic actions. He reshapes materials, injects new substances, and orchestrates alterations in the presence of an audience. These interventions bring forth new dimensions, unveiling hitherto undiscovered meanings and unexpected facets. Suga dubs these transformative moments "activations," signifying the metamorphosis that unfolds within his artistic realm.
Suga's artistic voyage — and that of Mono-ha, the larger movement to which he belongs — is framed against the backdrop of a feverish era of global experimentation. Amid the late 1960s and early 1970s, his work resonated in parallel with contemporaneous movements like Post-Minimalism and Land Art in the United States, as well as Arte Povera in Italy. These parallels offer a glimpse into the profound significance of Mono-ha, a movement that bridged geographical gaps while pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration.
In essence, "Units of Dependency" serves as a testament to Suga's ability to traverse the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible, the natural and the industrial. It stands as a relic of his intricate contemplation, an artifact that captures the ebb and flow of human interaction with materials and nature. Amid the vibrant symphony of transient forms, Suga's work beckons viewers to partake in his dialogue, to bear witness to the transformational dance between the ephemeral and the eternal, and to immerse themselves in the artistic ethos that defines his legacy within the history of art.
At its core, Suga embarks on a captivating exploration of the symbiotic dynamics between the individual and materials. This theme is a focal point he delves into, not just through passive observation, but through live, dynamic actions. He reshapes materials, injects new substances, and orchestrates alterations in the presence of an audience. These interventions bring forth new dimensions, unveiling hitherto undiscovered meanings and unexpected facets. Suga dubs these transformative moments "activations," signifying the metamorphosis that unfolds within his artistic realm.
Suga's artistic voyage — and that of Mono-ha, the larger movement to which he belongs — is framed against the backdrop of a feverish era of global experimentation. Amid the late 1960s and early 1970s, his work resonated in parallel with contemporaneous movements like Post-Minimalism and Land Art in the United States, as well as Arte Povera in Italy. These parallels offer a glimpse into the profound significance of Mono-ha, a movement that bridged geographical gaps while pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration.
In essence, "Units of Dependency" serves as a testament to Suga's ability to traverse the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible, the natural and the industrial. It stands as a relic of his intricate contemplation, an artifact that captures the ebb and flow of human interaction with materials and nature. Amid the vibrant symphony of transient forms, Suga's work beckons viewers to partake in his dialogue, to bear witness to the transformational dance between the ephemeral and the eternal, and to immerse themselves in the artistic ethos that defines his legacy within the history of art.