Steel sculpture by Sadaharu Horio
You begin with the possibilities of the material.
Robert Rauschenberg
Sadaharu Horio's life as an artist within Kobe/Japan in general has been one of an overwhelming critical contribution in expanding the societal memory as to what the fine arts might be seen and experienced as within that community.
Horio's Performance at Yamaki Gallery of Fine Art
What is so likeable about Horio's praxis and exhibitions/performances is that he tends to have maintained the counter culture that was so refreshing to experience in the happenings of the late sixties and early seventies, he appears not to have sold out like so many western artists for fame and money. In particular Horio reminds one of that idiosyncratic American artist Robert Rauschenberg or Dan Graham but he is particular to Kobe and therefore very different but equally as generous and illuminating about what art is.
And fame as an artist it seems is not Horio's radar, it may well come to him and he certainly deserves it, there is many things one could think of he deserves and one could be a full survey of his artworks and performances in Japan over the last three decades at the local major prefectural gallery, so the community could appreciate his efforts. But Horio's focus remains clearly on his praxis and it shows in this exhibition.
This current show by Horio continues his tradition of challenging the audience's ideas about art; it is far from the manicured formulated products the now seems necessary to make within many art schools around the world nowadays. If anything it appears Horio is the very person that art schools within this world may well need to employ as artists in residence, to deconstruct the product based outcome assessments that seem to be omni present nowadays.
Artworks by Sadaharu Horio
This is a very good exhibition and so refreshing to encounter, it enhances the meaning of critical artistic praxis, it is what art students should go to study and talk to the artist, ask questions to Horio and take what has been gleaned from the encounter back and use within their own idiosyncratic praxis. So if you’re in Motomachi do take time out to see this most interesting and exciting exhibition.
