Like father like son
The
old adage would have it that the acorn doesn’t fall far
from the tree. It’s a theme that the National Gallery of
Victoria has embraced in its new exhibition opening this month,
Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008. This presentation creatively combines
the work of father and son Robert and Andrew Klippel.
Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008 presents the work of
the late Robert Klippel, Australia’s leading sculptor of
the post-war period in combination with a musical response from
his son, composer and producer, Andrew Klippel.
Recognised as one of Australia’s most inventive
sculptors, Robert Klippel was most well-known for his abstract
assemblages that were often made from found items including discarded
foundry patterns, plastic model parts and other materials such
as tin and foil.
Robert Klippel (Australia)
1920–2001, lived in United States 1958–63
No. 874 (c. 1990)
plastic, transparent synthetic polymer resin 14.1 x 10.0 x 5.4
cm
Private collection, Sydney
© Courtesy of Andrew Klippel
The exhibition will feature a group of almost 200
miniature sculptures produced by Robert Klippel from the 1970s
to the 90s, mostly never before exhibited.
The show will also present, for the first time, one of Klippel’s
largest sculptures entitled No 709. This sculpture was created
as a wooden assemblage by Robert Klippel in 1988 and prepared
for the process of bronze casting just prior to his death in 2001.
Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV said this
monumental work will be completed and displayed for the first
time in this exhibition.
“Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008 is a unique combination
of the practices of Robert Klippel the sculptor and Andrew Klippell
the musician, which we the audience are privileged to experience,”
said Ms Lindsay.
Robert
Klippel
No. 881 c.1990; No title (No. 1326) c.1990 and
works from the series No title (No. 1232) 1980
Private collection, Sydney
© Courtesy of Andrew Klippel
A highlight of Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008 will be
an audio experience designed by Andrew Klippel. Regarded internationally
for his work in contemporary music, the younger Klippel earned
his reputation through a unique combination of roles that includes
songwriter, producer, performer, and entrepreneur.
Andrew designed the sound installation for Klippel/Klippel:
Opus 2008 as a response to his late father’s work. He said
he drew inspiration from his father throughout his musical career.
“What I have derived from my father’s
work is the importance of focussing on the creative impulse and
expanding on that,” said Andrew Klippel.
David Edwards
