Stephan Balkenhol (1957-) is one of the leading German sculptors today. He began, in the early 80s, by creating wooden sculptures of human forms. At present, he is active internationally and in particular in Europe. Balkenhol's human sculptures, roughly carved out of wood and then painted, appear to be ordinary people wearing ordinary clothes. Along with the ordinary poses and expressions of the sculptures, the works' pedestals are carved, painted and positioned in the space. The works do not allow simple interpretation, but invite instead a comfortable form of reflection. In the context of present-day art, with its strong abstract tendencies, Balkenhol's work might at first appear to be an anachronism, but it is in fact a new type of representational sculpture. Balkenhol's elimination of the narrative elements which have constantly been a part of traditional Western sculpture for thousands of years from ancient Egypt to Rodin, in particular, distinguish his work.
This exhibition marks the first time that Balkenhol's work will be given a comprehensive showing in Japan. From quintessential examples of his early work to more recent reliefs that indicate a new development in his art, visitors can expect to see approximately 50 of the artist's most impressive sculptures. Balkenhol's work proves that contemporary European representational sculpture has the power to bring joy and solace to the people of Japan.