《 YOU CAN TAKE/TAIPEI EDITION – Lars Koepsel Solo Exhibition 》

Duration: Aug. 19 (SAT) – Sep. 28 (SAT), 2023
Opening : Aug. 19 (SAT) 17:00 – 19:00
Artist : Lars Koepsel
Venue : VT Artsalon (B1, No.17, Ln.56, Sec. 3, Xinsheng N. Rd, TaipeiCity 104, Taiwan.)
More info: https://reurl.cc/y6nKx6

You can take my body
You can take my bones
You can take my blood
But not my soul
—— 《At the Purchaser’s Option》Rhiannon Giddens

In this upcoming solo exhibition, Lars Koepsel will present a carefully curated collection of seven artworks at VT Artsalon on August 19, 2023. Among the showcased pieces, a subset will showcase his mastery of digital scripture techniques, while another distinct series will feature works ingeniously crafted with historical printed backgrounds, including the utilization of ancient geographical maps.

Lars Koepsel’s work revolves around the meticulous transcription of handwritten texts onto various media, each chosen according to its thematic content. His creative process involves intertwining three distinct levels of content. Firstly, he carefully selects the texts, which form the foundation of the first level. The second level is defined by the choice of background, ranging from maps and globes to pre-printed and partly historical materials. Lastly, the placement and arrangement of the text in relation to the chosen medium unveils the third level. The intricate interplay gives rise to complex pictorial forms that not only resonate with the textual content but often delve into socio-political issues as well.

The meaning of the text is sublimated during the transcription process; it becomes the crystallization of the article’s content and the essence that is preserved. The extension of painting and calligraphy takes the form of slogan-like wall banners, intended to guide viewers into the process of the artwork’s formation.

In YOU CAN TAKE/TAIPEI EDITION, Lars Koepsel draws inspiration from his personal background and intertwines it with world historical contexts, creating works that possess symbolism, significance, and multiple layers of meaning. Through exploring past texts, the artist transforms research content into visual imagery and rewrites it in a contemporary manner. Thus, the relationships between individuals, time, and the world are revealed through the interaction of text and material, leading to a thought-provoking journey transcending time and space.