Description
What are your hopes for Pendant?
Kensuke Koike | As with all of my work, I prepare artwork which I find interesting and/or beautiful. But these combinations I create are all calculated and do not surpass my plans. So I’m quite interested to see what my audience can make with the same elements I used. Maybe it’ll be the same as mine, maybe something totally different.
With this new series Showdown you expressed a desire to collaborate with many artists over time, are there specific artists you have in mind so far?
KKÂ |Â I haven’t taken any photos recently. This is generally because I am always surrounded by many archive images and it already gives me much homework. Collaborating with other artists means breaking the limit, maybe for both, for me and for him/her.
I have begun to contact some artists and photographers I admire but for now I cannot reveal any names. But what I can say is that the work will not only include B&W portraits, some abstract and colourful ones are really enjoyable.
Why did you feel the urge to create something intended for the more accessible priced end of the market?
KKÂ |Â I think that my practice is good for every age. I think I can transmit more through this kind of work. My vintage works tend to be small and become something really intimate, personal. I also heard once that some collectors put my work in a small wooden box and see them alone. I like this story.
However when I think about this ‘personal secret’ as a shared secret with your friend, it’ll be more fun. Will we be connected mentally?
Artist statement
Kensuke Koike (b.1980, Japan) creates unique artwork by manipulating found, vintage, photographic material. Kensuke’s approach revolves around the idea of using the assets found within an image to create a contemporary visual with a new narrative. The process for the artist often starts as a puzzle begging to be solved with each image setting its own unique challenges.
Koike’s practice is centred around a philosophy of ‘no more, no less’ exploring the possibilities of creating a new image made up only of itself. Using found objects in this way creates a more dynamic way of working, as although he experiments with many prototypes initially, there is only one chance to work with the original photograph.
Koike introduces a performative element to his practice through his exhibiting of both the processes and final works, which is important to understand both the humour and reverence with which he creates his vision.
His artworks have been exhibited globally at museums and exhibitions around the world such as The Photographers’ Gallery, London; Postmasters Gallery, New York; Ciocca Contemporary Art, Milan; A plus A Gallery, Venice; IMA, Tokyo; Yancey Richardson Gallery, New York; Design Museum, London; Asama International Photo Festival, Japan and Guangdong Museum of Art, China. He has been the artist-in-residence at SEPTIEME Gallery, Paris, SuperOtium, Naples and the Kala Institute, Berkely.
Open Doors Gallery is the UK representative for Kensuke Koike’s art sales.
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These limited edition packs were first released at the 2022 exhibition de/re CONSTRUCTED
Contact for all artwork enquiries:
tom@opendoors.gallery