Žilvinas Kempinas, Ikon, 2016. Courtesy of the artist and Ikon. Photo: Stuart Whipps
Ikon presents a solo exhibition of work by New York based Lithuanian artist Žilvinas Kempinas. Comprising a number of installations it is characteristically elemental, representing and embodying natural phenomena such as light and the circulation of air, with an emphasis on movement made by both visitors and kinetic works in the exhibition.
Kempinas’ work involves unprecious everyday objects and materials, and he is most renowned for using unwound videotape. It appeals to him not only as an ‘abstraction’ of moving imagery, but also because of its distinct physical qualities.
Ideas of movement, in its pure kinetic state or as a trace of movement that has already happened, are developed through the artist’s work. His new installation, made especially for Ikon, involves an upside-down video projection of a ride through forested landscape, a mass of metal rods (tripods) painted white and arranged on a high gloss black floor. It combines viewers’ movements through the space and formal density to result in a controlled environment that is immediately disorienting. Characteristically Kempinas is playing a smart aesthetic game, sharing something that is as wonderful as it is real.
The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, including an essay by New York based writer Jessica Holmes. Visit Ikon’s online shop for the full range of Ikon’s catalogues and limited editions.
Žilvinas Kempinas
23 September — 27 November 2016
Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS, UK
This exhibition is organised in collaboration with Galerija Vartai and is supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.
More information: https://ikon-gallery.org/event/zilvinas-kempinas/
