Complicated I, 2008
Mixed media
46 x 28 x 8 inches

Complicated II, 2008
Mixed media
27 x 9.5 x 5 inches

Complicated III, 2008
Mixed media on steel base
46 x 20 x 8 inches

Complicated IV, 2008
Mixed media
38 x 17 x 17 inches

Simple I, 2008
Mixed media
28 x 21 x 28 inches

Simple II, 2008
Mixed media
28 x 21 x 28 inches

Simple I, 2008
Mixed media
33 x 20.5 x 13.3 inches

Simple IV, 2008
Mixed media
34 x 20 x 13.3 inches

Simple V, 2008
Mixed media
42.5 x 16 x 13 inches

Study I for Complicated, 2007
Archival Digital Print
Edition of 5
9 x 13.5 inches

Study II for Complicated, 2007
Archival Digital Print
Edition of 5
9 x 13.5 inches

Study I for Simple, 2007
Archival Digital Print
Edition of 5
9 x 13.5 inches

Study II for Simple, 2007
Archival Digital Print
Edition of 5
9 x 13.5 inches

Koji Takei

ISOMETRY

September 6 – 27, 2008

Robert Berman gallery is please to present Koji Takei’s most recent body of work, titled “Isometry,” which reflects the juxtaposition between the complex and the simple. The artist alters everyday objects, humorously tweaking proportion and perspective. By rearranging the pieces he is able to create an altered perception where these once everyday objects are now seen in a different light.

The musical instruments are meant to be a representation of the artist’s complex life. The original instruments are constructed simply, to create beautiful music. When dissected and joined together again they become complicated and nonfunctional. They appear to be holding together in harmony, but they are vulnerable to falling apart. Takei expresses, “the chairs echo my struggle for simplification. I see my life consisting of length, width and depth, as in three-point perspective. Taking away one of these perspective points, like in an isometric drawing, reflects my effort to simplify.” As life grows increasingly multi-faceted and convoluted for the artist, these chairs make him feel at peace because they are uncomplicated and resolved in their own peculiar way.

Koji Takei graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA and is currently living and working in Los Angeles.