SHINKICHI TAJIRI
KNOTS
"Art today is so complicated. It’s a language and it’s changing very rapidly. But everybody has certain connotations and associations about knots.
I was looking for instant communication. The knot is basic." - Shinkichi Tajiri
In 1967 Tajiri wanted to make a sculptural statement that would cut through all the mystification that he felt was invading the art scene. Tajiri aimed for a symbol of immediate recognition with a universal likeness, which he forged in varying patterns in polyester or bronze in his home foundry. Tajiri stated of the series, “Put a knot in the middle of a jungle, and everyone knows what it means."
text: Shinkichi Tajiri: Universal Paradoxes, Leiden University Press, 2015
photo above: Baarlo 1967 © Leonard Freed/Magnum Photos, courtesy Brigitte Freed
polyester/fiberglass, h. 350 cm Collection Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate, Sleepy Hollow, NY, USA. photo: Ryu Tajiri
Polyester, Documenta IV 1968, Kassel, Germany Collection: Shinkichi Tajiri Estate Long-term loan Cobra Museum, Amstelveen
fiberglass, polyester, 450 x 880 cm State acquisition 1969 Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo
polyester/fiberglass, 400 x 300 cm Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam. photo: Ryu Tajiri
bronze, l. 900 cm Paleis Noordeinde (Queens palace garden), The Hague. photo: Ryu Tajiri
cast iron, h. 600 cm Entrance to the village of Baarlo. photo: Shinkichi Tajiri
polyester/fiberglass, h. 600 cm Museum van Bommel van Dam, Venlo
laminated wood, 152 x152 cm Collection Shinkichi Tajiri Estate. photo: © Egon Notermans
bronze, green patina, 260 x 99 x 80 cm Anningahof Zwolle photo: Steven van Welie This piece was stolen on May 21st 2019 and has not been recovered. If you have any information please contact the Shinkichi Tajiri Estate.