Josephsohn

Hauser & Wirth is proud to unveil a focused presentation of the large, abstract half-figure sculptures from the late career of Swiss artist, Josephsohn (1920 – 2012). Featuring five of these over-life-size brass sculptures alongside a substantial relief, this exhibition conveys Josephsohn’s deep reverence for ancient motifs brought to fruition in contemporary application. The gallery’s first Josephsohn show in Switzerland since his death, this exhibition displays the artist’s mastery in balancing volume and mass in his timeless sculptures.

The exhibition’s six voluminous sculptures imbue the sparse gallery space with a calm and timeless presence. Selected from the late period of Josephsohn’s 60 year-long artistic career, the works from 1990 to 2004 typify the artist’s remodeling of the ancient concept of the bust, representing the head and part of the torso of the subject. The monoliths initially appear as roughly hewn abstractions, evoking natural geologic formations, yet, they are wholly inspired by reality. One earlier example on display, ‘Untitled’ from 1979, shows the use of the half figure in more recognizable form. The artist’s last wife is seen with a stoic calm expression with her hands clasped in front of her torso. The later abstractions too, when closely examined reveal the suggestion of human features.