Jannis Kounellis 1936–2017

Jannis Kounellis

1936–2017.

Kounellis is a Italian Artist, who studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome. Kounellis was part of the Arte Povera movement, the movement rejected minimalism. Arte Povera used non-traditional objects and metals. The use of natural metals is what draws me to his work, he uses things like wool and wood. His work to me has a way of making you think, looking at his purple wool piece makes me think of the big drying racks that they hanged fish on.  

Untitled, 1968.

This piece grabbed my interest for it's use of textiles. The piece is made out of wood and wool, making a frame that's leaning against a wall. The wool is draped over the wooden beams, which is like a  hjell.  This piece of work has a human touch to it, I feel like someone has just put it there to dry. 

Untitled, 1960–98.

Steel panel, enamel on paper on 2 canvases, fabric, coal, 3 metal hooks and metal rod.

this is a another good example of his use of textiles,  but in a more industrial way. the colours that he's used for this piece are all quite neutral and of a simpler colour. The contrast in metal and fabric and the way that it's been displayed is really interesting to me. What I like about the two materials is how they work together in the same space.

Untitled (Hanging Knife), 1991.

Metal, glass, etching on paper, hook and knife. This piece is different from the other two that I have looked at, its got nothing to do with textiles. I wanted to take a bit about this piece because I like how involved the viewer is. The knife hangs from a hook in what I think is a quite suggestive way, almost if it wants you to pick it up. the dark fast moving lines curling the knife adds tension to the piece.