LA><ART is also pleased to present the first solo exhibition in the United States by French multi-media artist Samon Takahashi. Atmospheric Distortions is an installation comprised of three disparate sculptural works that explore the relationship between architecture, mathematics, geometry, and organic form. Consisting of three distinct interventions within the gallery space, Atmospheric Distortions alters the existing architecture through minimal means to create an experiential stage-like setting. The interrelationship between objects is suggestive of a non-narrative dream scenario in which enhanced readymade materials circulate around mythological themes.
An additional sound component accompanies the exhibition, positioned at the galleryʼs entryway. Scored for solo guitar, the musical syllables do re mi fa sol la si are extracted from “Canto XXIII” of Danteʼs Paradiso. Kept in their original order, the notes are played in a loose mode, while the rest of the text is performed as silence between notes. As if encoding an encrypted message from Danteʼs text, the performer attempts to depict a sonic portrait of the paradise originally described by the author. The musical score addresses the impossibility of describing the unknown and attempts to map a conceptual territory that uses music as allegory.
Samon Takahashi is a visual and sound artist based in Paris. Recent solo exhibitions include “Suite N” at CNEAI in Chatou, France (2009), “Only Night Knows,” at La Blanchisserie galerie in Paris (2008), and “Etude aux allures” at De Vleeshal, Middleburg, Netherlands (2009).
Samon Takahashi: Atmospheric Distortions is made possible with the generous support of LA><ARTʼs Producers Council member Sue Hancock; Étant donnés: The French-American Fund for Contemporary Art; Benchmark Scenery Incorporated; and the Consulat général de France à Los Angeles.