Laterne I + II, 2004
Granite, light source
140 x 140 x 90 cm, 90 x 140 x 140 cm
Munich, Bayerstrasse 115
The existence of the thinking being in the universe: that, no less, is the theme chosen by Chihiro Shimotani (*1934 Sakurai, JP) as the basis for his conceptual art. Born in Japan, Shimotani's frequent visits to Germany and other European countries have given him a deep affection for different cultures. He seeks ways to translate into visual language the philosophical notions that relate to his underlying theme, meticulously choosing media that connect with what he wants to convey. Questions about transience are expressed by the evaporation of water and those about man's existence are expressed with clay imprinted with text. The written word is a constant employed by the artist as the basis for transmitting his insight into the human condition. In Laterne I and II [Lanterns I and II] (2004) however we witness none of these traditions: no text is imprinted on the material used and the stone is shaped into a form that is at odds with its intrinsic character. The individual elements appear to float one above the other, barely touching, like gently undulating sheets. The fragility of the sculptures is accentuated by the illumination that picks out the spaces in between. This work is a direct reference to an earlier piece by Shimotani that is executed in paper and has a very similar form. In "Keiner soll schlafen, (Turandot)" [None shall sleep (Turandot)] (2003), the artist alludes to Prince Calaf's famous aria Nessun dorma from Giacomo Puccini's Turandot. By recasting the concept in a different medium, Shimotani lends the work a permanence and durability without taking away any of its fragility and lightness.
Laterne I+II [Lanterns I and II], 2004
Granite, light source
140 x 140 x 90 cm, 90 x 140 x 140 cm
Laterne I+II [Lanterns I and II], 2004
Granite, light source
140 x 140 x 90 cm, 90 x 140 x 140 cm
Laterne I+II [Lanterns I and II], 2004
Granite, light source
140 x 140 x 90 cm, 90 x 140 x 140 cm
Laterne I+II [Lanterns I and II], 2004
Granite, light source
140 x 140 x 90 cm, 90 x 140 x 140 cm
