The space, located within the basement of the Albemarle Street shop in London, will host an exhibition of textile art in collaboration with the digital platform Vortic
Category Archives: Stories
By Cecilia Aisin-Gioro
Jason Gu, known by his Chinese name Zhenyu Gu, was born in Qingyang, Gansu Province, China. His path to becoming an artist is a story of perseverance, passion, and unwavering determination. Coming from a working-class family, Gu’s journey into the world of art was anything but easy. Despite his early fascination with painting, financial constraints hindered his ability to receive formal training. However, his parents, recognizing his talent and drive, made significant sacrifices, using their savings to enroll him in a small local art studio. It was within this modest environment that Gu began to lay the foundations of his artistic vision.
Gu’s dedication and perseverance paid off when he was admitted to the prestigious Mural Painting Department at the China Academy of Art. This pivotal moment in his career allowed him to explore the interplay between realism and abstract expressionism. His works, deeply personal and connected to his experiences, are infused with introspection and a desire to communicate the universal human condition.
Fragmented: Balancing Opposites
Fragmented embodies Gu’s core artistic belief: that life is a constant balance between opposing forces—strength and vulnerability, tension and release. The mosaic technique adds complexity, with each carefully placed tile contributing to a cohesive whole. The figures seem burdened, symbolizing the weight of human existence and the resilience required to persevere. Earthy tones contrast with cool hues, emphasizing struggle and the rawness of the human form, while the mosaic’s fragmented nature mirrors life’s fragmented experiences. Yet, through this fragmentation, Gu creates a sense of unity and harmony.
The Background: A Dialogue Between Past and Present
In The Background, Jason Gu expertly navigates the tension between modernity and history, creating a dynamic juxtaposition that speaks to the enduring influence of the past on contemporary life. The red-toned mural of soldiers, bold and heroic, looms large behind the figures of young women dressed in modern clothing. Their presence in the foreground is marked by quiet contemplation, a stark contrast to the stoic resolve of the soldiers frozen in time. This juxtaposition begs the question: How do these women relate to the monumental histories behind them? The mural is not just a backdrop; it’s a looming presence, representing the weight of collective memory and the burden of history.
Gu subtly explores the complex relationship between the present and the past—how, in many ways, the stories we inherit shape the identities we construct. The young women are separated from the mural not only by time but by ideology. They seem disengaged, lost in thought, perhaps questioning the relevance of the values and struggles depicted behind them. The work invites viewers to reflect on how history—particularly in the form of state narratives, such as the ones Gu may have encountered growing up in China—shapes personal identity and thought. Are we destined to carry these historical burdens, or do we have the freedom to transcend them? The painting challenges us to consider the role of education and inherited narratives in shaping modern behavior and thinking. Through this piece, Gu opens a window into his own reflections as someone raised in a culture steeped in historical legacy and collective memory.
1982 A.D.: A Warning of Environmental Decay
In 1982 A.D., Gu presents a haunting image of environmental decay, using a deteriorating aircraft carrier as a symbol of human progress and its environmental consequences. The green, stagnant waters surrounding the carrier symbolize the irreversible damage caused by unchecked industrial ambition. The piece reflects on the year 1982, a time of rapid industrial development in China, and raises questions about the sustainability of human achievements. Gu’s work is a powerful reminder of the transient nature of human endeavors and the lasting environmental impact of progress.
Melting: Humanity in Flux
In Melting, one of Jason Gu’s most striking works, the artist delves into a surreal, dreamlike landscape, where a clown-like figure symbolizes humanity’s insignificance within the vastness of the universe and the unknown. The melting forms suggest a world in constant flux, where stability and certainty are elusive. In this surreal landscape, the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, encouraging viewers to reflect on the nature of existence. Gu’s exploration of surrealism becomes a meditation on life’s uncertainties, the fragility of the environment, and humanity’s fears and concerns about an unpredictable future.
Under Sun: Illuminating the Shadows of Existence
In Under Sun, Jason Gu masterfully draws the viewer into a moment so quiet, yet so laden with meaning, it’s impossible to look away. Gu’s subtle use of light and shadow amplifies this sense of mystery. The softness of the sunlight on the figure contrasts with the foreboding darkness behind the door, a metaphor for the duality we face in life—the known and the unknown, hope and fear, the present moment and what may come next.
A splash of red on the figure’s neck adds an unexpected, jarring element. Is it a hint at untold stories or memories? A symbol of something left unsaid? This small, seemingly insignificant detail transforms the entire composition, suggesting a story much larger than the scene implies. Gu’s brilliance is in his restraint. He doesn’t overwhelm us with answers but rather leads us down a path of introspection, leaving the viewer in a state of quiet reflection long after stepping away from the canvas.
The Last Fish: Perseverance in Adversity
In The Last Fish, Jason Gu forgoes the portrayal of great heroes or major events. Instead, he presents a solitary figure standing beside a towering, vaguely humanoid entity, their gazes directed in opposing directions. Is this mysterious being an invader from another world, or a metaphor for the power structures that overshadow the lives of ordinary people? The giant’s protective posture towards the smaller figure raises questions about its true nature and role.
Behind them, strange bubbles float through the air, adding a sense of mystery to the otherwise barren landscape. In front of them lies an almost dried-up pond, where the last fish struggle for air at the surface, symbolizing resource depletion and the harsh realities of survival. Through this desolate scene, Gu captures the resilience needed to survive in a world marked by scarcity and uncertainty.
Boxed Reality: Navigating the Boundaries of Confinement and Hope
Today, Jason Gu’s work is gaining international recognition. His current exhibition at the Aisin Gioro Fine Art Gallery in Vancouver, BC, Canada, marks his first international showcase, introducing his art to a global audience.
Gu’s work captures the nuances of everyday life and the universal desire to overcome adversity, resonating across cultures. Whether through the exploration of familiar scenes or abstract representations, Gu’s art communicates the triumphs and struggles of ordinary people. In Boxed Reality, Gu highlights the simplicity of an underprivileged individual’s life yet leaves open the possibility of awakening and breaking free—a metaphor for resilience and hope.
As Jason Gu continues to evolve as an artist, his mission remains clear: to honor the complexity of life, celebrate the strength of the human spirit, and create works that bridge personal experience with universal understanding.
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Art Advisor and Curator Thea Montauti d’Harcourt Lyginos is set to unveil L’Appartement, a new art space in the heart of Geneva, this autumn. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Sound and Silence, opens on October 3rd, 2024, in the dedicated space at Geneva’s Eaux-Vives district and runs until December 21st. The exhibition will feature 24 works by the renowned artist Takis, including pieces from the prestigious Emfietzoglou Collection, alongside 18 works by Yves Dana, with some of Dana’s creations debuting in Geneva for the first time.
A Bocconi University graduate with an international arts career spanning Sotheby’s London and Gagosian Geneva, d’Harcourt introduces a new art destination that adds to the global arts scene in Geneva. D’Harcourt’s mission is to share her passion for the arts with a fresh, accessible approach that redefines the gallery experience. Going beyond traditional gallery roles, she aims to broaden art’s impact on diverse audiences and create a vibrant community that engages both seasoned collectors and younger generations.
L’Appartement offers a comprehensive art collecting experience, with a multidisciplinary and international exhibition program featuring a diverse roster of artists, and extensive art advisory services, including personalized art acquisition, sales strategies, expert valuation, appraisal services, and meticulous collection management.
Instead of artist representation, L’Appartement focuses on fostering collaboration by inviting artists, galleries, curators, and collectors to showcase their work in an intimate Geneva setting. Curated by Thea Montauti d’Harcourt Lyginos, this approach aims to connect diverse art industry players, making art more accessible and revitalizing the local art scene.
Sound and Silence features works by Takis and Yves Dana, two antithetical sculptors whose works articulate opposing philosophies of art—a dichotomy between looking to the future and holding to fundamental principles. Takis (1925–2019) was a pioneering Greek artist celebrated for his innovative kinetic sculptures that harnessed magnetic fields, light, and sound.
Yves Dana (b. 1959) is a Swiss-Egyptian sculptor born in Alexandria, renowned for his abstract works that explore the purity of form and the essence of material. Sound and Silence invites visitors to reflect on the timeless importance of art in a world fixated on constant innovation, emphasizing that true artistic significance is not solely defined by novelty.
By seamlessly blending art and science, Takis created dynamic installations that challenged traditional perceptions of energy and movement. A key figure in the post-war avant-garde movement, his art blurs the boundaries between empirical knowledge and raw creativity. Takis’s work has been exhibited globally, inviting viewers to experience the dynamic interplay between technology and nature, positioning him as a visionary who forever changed the landscape of contemporary art.
Taking inspiration from ancient civilizations and natural landscapes, Dana’s sculptures are often characterized by their organic forms and textures. His work, primarily in bronze, stone, and wood, serves as a meditation on the elemental forces of nature and the timelessness of the human experience. His pieces, noted for their focus on purity of form, capture the essence of the material while inviting viewers to a state of peaceful reflection.
Complementing the show, a dedicated catalog of nearly 50 pieces will be published and available digitally and in print at the exhibition. It will highlight the rich philosophies of both sculptors and contextualize their work and lives within the broader scope of contemporary art.
“Observing Yves Dana in his Lausanne studio, surrounded by pieces reflecting various chapters of his life, sparked a contemplation on the enduring relevance of modernism. How is carving a stone still modern in a society where everything is so focused on constant innovation? This question naturally led me to think about Takis. Takis, with his unwavering fascination with technology and his relentless exploration of time and space, epitomized the essence of modernism. His truly visionary ability to seamlessly merge art with elements of technology blurred the boundaries between the two disciplines.” – Thea Montauti d’Harcourt Lyginos, Founder, L’Appartement.
“Takis is a sculptor who has impressed me since I was very young, perhaps even before I started sculpting myself. At around fourteen or fifteen, I saw his aerial Signals, his forms dancing in the void, and I was so captivated that I tracked down his address and waited outside his house in Paris all day, hoping to meet him, though I never did. His world fascinated me from the start. Our worlds respond to each other in a very personal way. They are interconnected realms that interact and engage in dialogue.” – Yves Dana, Artist.
Following this exhibition, L’Appartement will present a show on contemporary Australian Aboriginal art.
L’Appartement is a unique art space in Geneva that introduces a multidisciplinary and international exhibition program along with comprehensive art advisory services, offering a fresh and invigorating approach to how art is experienced. Led by Thea Montauti d’Harcourt Lyginos, it provides a 360-degree experience for art collectors, encompassing curated exhibitions, personalized art acquisition, sales strategies, and valuation services. Located in a historic Geneva building, L’Appartement also offers collection management, logistical support, and fine art insurance advice. By engaging both seasoned and new collectors, L’Appartement aims to revitalize the Geneva art scene with a commitment to a diverse cultural program and informed market insights.
Takis (1925–2019), born Panayiotis Vassilakis, was a Greek artist renowned for his pioneering work in kinetic art. He incorporated magnetic fields, light, and sound into his sculptures, exploring the invisible forces that shape our world. Takis’ innovative approach positioned him as a key figure in the post-war avant-garde movement.
Yves Dana (b. 1959) is a Swiss-Egyptian sculptor known for his minimalist and abstract works. Born in Alexandria, his art draws inspiration from ancient civilizations and natural landscapes, focusing on the purity of form and material. Dana’s sculptures, often crafted from stone and bronze, evoke a timeless connection to the earth and humanity.
Thea Montauti d’Harcourt Lyginos, born and raised in Geneva with Italian roots, has cultivated a deep passion for the arts. After studying Economics and Management for Art, Culture, and Communication at Bocconi University in Milan, she embarked on a career in London at Sotheby’s and later at Gagosian in Geneva. In 2017, she founded a private advisory firm specializing in Post-War and Contemporary Art. Thea also serves as Vice President of the NextGen Members of the MAMCO museum in Geneva and advises on art-related investment strategies. Additionally, she is a board member of Fondation d’Harcourt, focusing on mental health initiatives. Beyond her professional pursuits, Thea enjoys design, tennis, and is a certified ASSP Sommelière.
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Sponsored content. Story submitted by CCI communications. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News
The post L’APPARTEMENT Art Space in Geneva Presents its Inaugural Exhibition ‘Sound and Silence’, Featuring Works by TAKIS & Yves Dana appeared first on World Art News.
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