Isa Genzken at Hauser & Wirth

German artist Isa Genzken is a dedicated and exciting sculpture artist. Her works never stray too far from reality, staying within the context of what we know, but structured to create something entirely new. Her new exhibition at Hauser & Wirth is no exception to the creation of these interesting and poetic forms.

Genzken’s work is an eclectic mix of colour, interior, pop-culture and reference. Her works appear as if something you should already be familiar with; but this is an illusion. Her works are crafted and new, but their ability to sit within our conscious existence is something altogether unique.

Genzken uses an array of materials from her own world. Expensive furniture, magazine cut-outs, photographic imagery and shipping crates all form to make new culminations of reality. Reluctant to name her works, one favourite piece is called Untitled, 2012 and mixes photographs, mirrored foil, prints, pint and glass; featuring imagery of the late Michael Jackson, her friends and magazine cut-outs, the imagery forms pavement panels and gives the impression that it would fit wonderfully within a modern “sidewalk”. It is an expression of modern life, pasted directly on to our associations with pavement. Genzken’s ability to direct our mind to these references gives her work a real sense of place within the modern world, whilst being a direct representation of it; her work is pop-art reconsidered and redefined, and it is this that makes her work truly engaging and exciting.

The cramped and crowded look of the exhibition adds to our idea of our modern lives, as the materials we recognise (furniture, potted plants and pop-imagery) make us aware of our surroundings when surveying the space. We are transported into a bright new colourful version of our reality and it is an exciting experience.

Another monumental piece consists of a series of busts placed on plinths. The busts are replicas of Nefertiti, adorned with sunglasses and paired with replica portraits of The Mona Lisa. The artist’s ability to appropriate references from across the globe and manipulate them into an exciting new form of sculpture, one which fits perfectly into our own realities, is a true achievement.

The show is interesting, intriguing and a feat of great skill. A definite treat for the eyes, this show is not to be missed.

Verdict: ••••

Ruth Page

For more information on Isa Genzken and Hauser & Wirth, click here.