Jannis Kounellis
dal 26/11/2012 al 27/2/2013
Segnalato da
26/11/2012
Jannis Kounellis
Parasol Unit, London
Often combining the inanimate and animate, he boldly incorporated things such as propane torches, plants and animals. The exhibition aims to consider Kounellis' early works from the 1960s, 70s and 80s and his own response to them from today's standpoint.
Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art is delighted to present a solo exhibition of works by
painter, sculptor and performance artist Jannis Kounellis from 28 November 2012 to 17 February 2013
(Private View, 27 November 2012).
Considered a protagonist of Arte Povera, an art movement that emerged in Italy during the 1960s,
Kounellis embarked on his artistic career by creating some of the most radical art works of the time.
Often combining the inanimate and animate, he boldly incorporated things such as propane torches,
plants and animals as integral if not vital parts of his works. He also introduced the notion of
performance within works of art, something that to this day continues to inspire artists around the
world. In all these works Kounellis drew from his deep knowledge of and sensitivity to cultures of the
past and his own heritage, in itself a spirited discussion between collective and personal experiences.
The exhibition at Parasol unit aims to consider Kounellis’ early works from the 1960s, 70s and 80s and
his own response to them from today’s standpoint, which often culminates in a more recent and
spontaneous work. This juxtaposition of works of art from the different decades should thus engender an
arena for discussion. On show will be works, such as Untitled (Carboniera), 1967; Untitled (steel plate
and braid), 1969, on loan from Centre George Pompidou, Musée national d’art; Metamorphosis, 1984, and
Untitled, 1977, an electric train moving on steel plates installed around one of the pillars of the Parasol
unit gallery.
Born in 1936 in Piraeus, Greece, Kounellis moved to Rome in 1956, where he still lives and works. In
recent years, Kounellis has had numerous solo exhibitions internationally, including, among others, at
Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin, 2007; National Centre for Contemporary Art, Moscow, 2011; Today Art
Museum, Beijing, 2011; and Museum of Cycladic Art, Athens, 2012.
Wednesday 28 November, 7pm Jannis Kounellis: in conversation with Ziba Ardalan, Director/Curator of Parasol unit.
An opportunity to gain unique insight into the highly influential work of exhibiting artist Jannis Kounellis, whose practice has spanned over 40 years.
For more information, please contact Anna Lehmbruck on 020 7490 7373, at anna@parasol-unit.org
Image: Untitled, 1958, oil on wood, 60 x 220 cm. Courtesy of the artist, Photo: Claudio Abate. Unless otherwise stated all images are copyright © Jannis Kounellis
Preview: 27 November 2012, 6.30 – 9 p.m.
Parasol unit
foundation for contemporary art 14 Wharf Road London N1 7RW
Gallery opening hours: Monday by prior arrangement. Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday, 12–5 p.m.
Christmas closure: 22 December 2012 – 1 January 2013 (inclusive)
Admission is free