Hans Josephsohn

23 Feb-14 Apr 2013

Overview

Modern Art Oxford presents a major solo exhibition by the late Swiss sculptor Hans Josephson. Josephson’s powerful and imposing bronze reclining nudes, ‘semi-figures’ and abstract relief panels reveal a sensitive and dedicated examination of figure, form and plane. This extensive exhibition includes many works seen in the UK for the first time and focuses on works created in the last 25 years of his life. Josephsohn employed plaster and lost-wax bronze casting to create a body of sculptural forms that emerge through his careful and intuitive manipulation of materials. The weight and gravity of each sculpture softens on closer inspection to reveal subtle differences in surface texture and figurative form. Strongly influenced by the work of fellow Swiss artist, Alberto Giacometti, the works are also reminiscent of Michelangelo’s ‘slave’ torsos and of the totemic sculpture of the Easter Island Moai figures.