Joseph Klibansky’s work examines the relationship between a thing and its essence, between what we see and what an image implies. The sense of precarious equilibrium that can be found in his recent paintings and in his sculptures reveals just how sadly dystopian an image can be that, at first glance, appears happily utopian. It thus reveals how utopia and dystopia can coexist within the same image.
Klibansky ventures into the territory of phenomenology and revisits matters related to perception that have fascinated philosophers and art historians, and have equally captured the attention of artists.
His irreverent and poetic sculptures, mainly cast bronze and resin, incorporate use of 3D scanning and printing. A human touch remains integral to the work in that the final coating or polishing is always operated by the artist, thus reinforcing his interest in the interaction between old and new, cutting-edge technology and craftsmanship.
In his recent intricate digital paintings, familiar urban landscapes overlap with remote wild environments. These pieces display a distinctive use of new technologies creating bi-dimensional works that originate from a superimposition of hundreds of photographs, on which the artist repeatedly intervenes with acrylic paint retouches on cotton paper, finished with glossy liquid resin.
Joseph Klibansky (b. 1984 in Cape Town) grew up in a creative and internationally-oriented environment. In his teens, he became fascinated by the possibilities offered by computer art and digital imagery.
Images courtesy of Joseph Klibansky
Discover: josephklibansky.com
