Koji Ryui
APT10
Born 1976, Kyoto, Japan
Lives and works in Sydney, Australia
Koji Ryui is known for metamorphosing humble matter into texturally delicate, materially wondrous sculptures and installations. His artworks reward close viewing, bringing into focus humorous juxtapositions and subtle changes. Often involving an accumulation of small objects in a large-scale artwork, these works demand the type of engagement that sees audiences stretching and bending to soak up every detail.
As the title implies, The Citadel can be read as speculative architecture. The installation converts a white wall into a vertical landscape of precariously balanced assemblages made from translucent and frosted glass, wood off-cuts, wire articles and sand-covered objects. Due to the installation’s restrained palette, its textures take on a heightened role. While abstract compositions are predominant, recognisable forms arise, including ceramic figurines, wire lampshades, scalloped dessert bowls, disposable coffee cups and champagne flutes. Ryui finely crafts the appearance of discrete forms emerging from a larger mass, like sandcastles on a beach.
![Koji Ryui / The Citadel (detail) 2021 A variety of glass and cork vessels in abstract shapes stand against a white background.](/index.php/system/files/styles/wide/private/object-images/KOJI_APT10.jpg?itok=hAU7f16Q)
Koji Ryui / The Citadel (detail) 2021 / Mixed media / Dimensions variable / © Koji Ryui / Courtesy: The artist and Sarah Cottier Gallery, Sydney / Photograph: Penny Clay / This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body, and Artspace, Sydney.
![© Koji Ryui Artwork Etymology this artwork made of Timber, plaster, clay, oxides, created in 2022-01-01](/index.php/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2022.253.jpg?itok=HXFw6Avt)
Etymology 2022
- RYUI, Koji - Creator
![© Koji Ryui Artwork Petit pois #2 this artwork made of Timber, poly-coated wire, created in 2022-01-01](/index.php/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2022.254a-e.jpg?itok=Iwl8ZSBw)
Petit pois #2 2022
- RYUI, Koji - Creator
![© Koji Ryui Artwork Calico crown this artwork made of Timber, found objects, cork, pins, plaster, paper, oxides, created in 2022-01-01](/index.php/system/files/styles/large/private/object-images/2022.252a-j.jpg?itok=OIko_nkG)
Calico crown 2022
- RYUI, Koji - Creator
![Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online](/sites/default/files/styles/large/filesqagoma/assets/image-pending.jpg?itok=SDhxQrcw)
The Monolith 2022
- RYUI, Koji - Creator
![Artwork has not been digitised or not available due to pending copyright clearence, thus not currently available online](/sites/default/files/styles/large/filesqagoma/assets/image-pending.jpg?itok=SDhxQrcw)
Batholith and Latholith 2022
- RYUI, Koji - Creator