Joseph Klibansky

Born in Cape Town in 1984, Joseph Klibansky is a Dutch artist based in Amsterdam whose work explores the relationship between an object and its essence, and between what is seen and what an image implies. His recent paintings and sculptures often convey a sense of precarious equilibrium, revealing how a seemingly utopian image can harbor dystopian undertones, thereby demonstrating the coexistence of utopia and dystopia within the same visual narrative.

Klibansky's artistic process frequently blends technology with traditional techniques. He leverages the boundless potential of digitally enhanced art to craft intricate sculptural compositions and create monumental paintings by digitally layering hundreds of images. He is particularly renowned for his highly reflective sculptures, which depict animals and distinctive characters as gleaming monuments.

His series of bronze sculptures are playful figures designed to highlight the juxtaposition between symbol and association. For instance, in ‘Reflections of Truth II’, Pinocchio is depicted with his characteristic long nose, weighed down by an impossibly large diamond on his shoulders. The shiny, polished bronze renders the deceitful puppet almost charming. Similarly, ‘Big Bang’ presents a colossal black gorilla head adorned with a golden party hat and horn, a stark contrast to the animal’s sullen gaze. This glossed and polished bronze sculpture was created with the assistance of a 3D printer.

Klibansky’s work has been exhibited in prestigious venues globally, including the Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti (Venice), the National Museum de Fundatie of Zwolle (Netherlands), K11 Kunsthalle Guangzhou (China), and The BVDS Gallery (Venice) in conjunction with the 57th Venice Art Biennale.