Shokubutsu - plants　Klaus DAUVEN

Oct. 17, 2020 - Nov. 15, 2020

Main Sight：Exhibition

Klaus DAUVEN "Shokubutsu - plants", Saitama Triennale 2020 / Photo: MARUO Ryuichi

Klaus DAUVEN is an artist who engages in a practice that entails creating images by partially removing dirt and grime that have accumulated on all kinds of surfaces through long-time exposure to wind and rain. From small things found in the streets such as power boxes and buffer stops, to large structures like harbor walls and concrete dams, many of Dauven’s projects unfold in existing outdoor environments. A major feature of his drawings, which are created by employing wire brushes and high-pressure cleaners to wash away existing layers of patina rather than introducing additional elements, are the fact that they gradually disappear over time, and thus the works can be regarded as being in tow with the laws of nature. Dauven, who explores the relationship between nature and buildings (and our human activities), had initially planned to employ his signature method of “cleaning drawing,” to depict the silhouette of flowers on the roof of the South Building of the former Omiya Ward Office through the contrast created by cleaning the dirt on the floor with Karcher's high-pressure cleaner machine, in doing so, seemingly allowing vast nature to emerge within the city.
This rooftop project was unfortunately not realized due to Dauven being unable to visit Japan as a result of the global coronavirus outbreak, yet presented on the second floor of the venue are the artist’s drawings of plants that have been made using cleaning sponge wipes as his support medium.

Date and Time

Closed on Saturday, October 17, 2020-Sunday, November 15, 2020

12: 00-18: 00 (Last entry 17:00)

Venue

Former Omiya ward office 2F

3-1 Daimoncho,Omiya-ku,Saitama City

* 5 minutes walk from the East Exit of Omiya station.