The Heinrich W. Risken Foundation presents a retrospective of the artist Kanjo Také

The Heinrich W. Risken Foundation a retrospective of the artist Kanjo Také Versmold, Westphalia, from September 13th to October 31st, 2024, under the title "Beyond Abstraction" .

More than 30 selected works by the German-Japanese artist are presented at Hartmannshof

As a wanderer between cultural worlds, Kanjo Také, who lives and works in Düsseldorf, constantly experiments with new techniques, combining photography with painting, collage techniques and video art.

Retrospective of the work of the German-Japanese artist Kanjo Také

Five different groups of works offer insight into Take's working methods:

• Staged photography that is conceptually well-thought-out and executed
• Photo collage that combines photography with painting
• Photo-painting, in which the photograph is altered through painting
• Digital painting, 21st-century painting, and
• Painting, pure painting – this includes his current series “Water Lilies” .

The combination of different artistic forms of expression reflects Take's worldview.

When knowledge fades, the invisible is there!

is one of his quotes.

His subject is not the reproduction of material reality, but the visualization of inner forces and spiritual energies. In doing so, profoundly human themes are paralleled through the fusion of Asian and European formal languages

writes art historian Dr. Annette Georgi and continues:

His work thrives on an openness that seems to effortlessly overcome the barriers of cultures as well as those of the mind. A level beyond visible reality becomes vivid and unleashes that kind of meaning-making imagination which allows us to see reality with new eyes

The artist explains his working method as follows:

The ideas flow out of me, they want to be born, thoughts want to be made visible.”

He adds that it depends on the dialogue between consciousness and subconsciousness.

Thematically, his work revolves around his central concept: "transformation" —in painting as well as in nature. This is particularly evident in his series "Water Lilies ." For Také, the dragonfly is a symbol of transformation: "Yesterday a larva, and today already a magical creature." He is interested in the visible and invisible world, the world "that we see and yet do not see."

Kanjo Také also shows us that nature means struggle. For dragonflies, those graceful predators, this means: defending their territory, searching for food, reproducing – and – watch out: frogs! – the fight for survival. No wonder the prehistoric insect looks fierce in Také's work – see his piece “Water Lily – Dragon Fly” .

Concert reading in the evening

At 7:30 pm the slideshow transitions into a concert reading entitled “On the Love of Life – A Concert Reading in Songs and Poems” .

Anne Klare (soprano), Jens Hamer (piano) , and Friedel Viegener (percussion ) sing of the beauty of the earth, of love between people, and of the quiet connection to the Creator. Listeners can expect songs such as "Du bist die Ruh" by Franz Schubert, "Mondnacht" by Robert Schumann, and "Morgen!" by Richard Strauss.

Poems such as "Encouragement" by Friedrich Hölderlin, "To Friends" by Theodor Storm, "Silence" and "Love Song" will also be featured. Quotes from contemporary philosophy, biology, and sociology complete the theme "How do we resonate with the world?"

• Anne Klare – Soprano and Recitation
• Jens Hamer – piano and recitation
• Friedel Viegener – percussion and recitation

An acoustic world unfolds before the large-scale projections of artist Kanjo Také's works. The audience can expect a diverse evening that will inspire and unleash a wealth of associations.

About the foundation

The Heinrich W. Risken Foundation is involved in a wide range of activities in the fields of fine arts, local heritage preservation, and nature conservation. It also places particular emphasis on species protection. The foundation carries out its own projects aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of art and nature conservation.

Of central importance to the foundation is the close connection between the care and preservation of cultural and natural heritage. These tasks include not only the archival preservation and accessibility of works of art, but also the comprehensive care of natural habitats and the active conservation of biodiversity through targeted species protection.

Kanjo Take

The internationally renowned artist Kanjo Také has already participated twice with great success in the lichtsicht projection biennale in Bad Rothenfelde, which was curated by Manfred Schneckenburger.

The innovation and creativity that Kanjo Také brings to his projects are reflected in his unique approach as a wanderer between cultural worlds and artistic media . The fusion of traditional stylistic elements with modern techniques is impressively evident in his works.

Subtle details lend his paintings a captivating texture and depth that immediately enthralls the viewer. Také's artistic vision is characterized by a deep appreciation for nature and a strong commitment to environmental protection, which is also reflected in his work.

Anne Klare

Singer and vocal coach Anne Klare performs both in Germany and abroad. She is currently touring with pianist Jens Hamer, presenting diverse programs such as "On the Love of Life" and "A Feast for the Eyes and Ears" .

These programs combine various art forms such as recitation, painting, singing and music into a fascinating overall experience.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the fields of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Graduated with a degree in web design from university (2008). Further developed creative techniques through courses in freehand drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market gained through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with key players and institutions in the arts and culture sector.

www.kunstplaza.de