Parasol Unit: Jannis Kounellis

About

Considered a protagonist of Arte Povera, an art movement that emerged in Italy during the 1960s, Kounellis embarked on his artistic career by creating some of the most radical art works of the time. Often combining the inanimate and animate, he boldly incorporated things such as propane torches, plants and animals as integral if not vital parts of his works. He also introduced the notion of performance within works of art, something that to this day continues to inspire artists around the world. In all these works Kounellis drew from his deep knowledge of and sensitivity to cultures of the past and his own heritage, in itself a spirited discussion between collective and personal experiences.
The exhibition at Parasol unit aims to consider Kounellis' early works from the 1960s, 70s and 80s and his own response to them from today's standpoint, which often culminates in a more recent and spontaneous work. This juxtaposition of works of art from the different decades should thus engender an arena for discussion. On show will be works, such as Untitled (Carboniera), 1967; Untitled (steel plate and braid),1969, on loan from Centre George Pompidou, Musée national d'art; Metamorphosis, 1984, and Untitled, 1977, an electric train moving on steel plates installed around one of the pillars of the Parasol unit gallery.

Born in 1936 in Piraeus, Greece, Kounellis moved to Rome in 1956, where he still lives and works. In recent years, Kounellis has had numerous solo exhibitions internationally, including, among others, at Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin, 2007; National Centre for Contemporary Art, Moscow, 2011; Today Art Museum, Beijing, 2011; and Museum of Cycladic Art, Athens, 2012.

This exhibition has been kindly supported by: the Hellenic Foundation for Culture.

VISITOR INFORMATION
Admission to all Parasol unit exhibitions is free
Gallery opening hours: Monday by prior arrangement. Tuesday'Saturday, 10 a.m.'6 p.m. Sunday, 12'5 p.m.
Christmas closure: 22 December 2012 ' 1 January 2013 (inclusive)

Directions
Tube: Old Street and Angel
Buses: 43, 205 and 214 via City Road

Note to editors
Founded in December 2004, Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art is an educational charity registered in England and Wales and operates purely for the benefit of the public. Every year the foundation organises four exhibitions in a variety of media and also sets up other artistic projects. Each gallery exhibition is accompanied by a publication and a related educational events programme. The foundation does not bear the founder's name, and its exhibitions are not derived from the founder's own collection. Parasol unit is thus a new model of collaboration between private funding and public support.

For more information, please contact Nicola Pomery on 020 7490 7373, at nicola@parasol-unit.org, or go to www.parasol-unit.org

Company registration: 05299582 / Registered charity number: 1107425

Image:Jannis Kounellis
Untitled, 1967
Iron structure and coal
28 x 155 x 125 cm
Courtesy of the artist and of Sprovieri, London
Photograph: Claudio Abate