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.