Harm van den Dorpel solo exhibition at Takuro Someya Contemporary Art
Harm van den Dorpel solo exhibition at Takuro Someya Contemporary Art
Takuro Someya Contemporary Art is pleased to announce the upcoming solo exhibition Cloud Writings by Harm van den Dorpel, which opens 14 February.
This marks his first solo exhibition at the gallery and features a series of works including new pieces unveiled for the first time in Japan. In this exhibition, van den Dorpel presents algorithmic drawings shaped by his generative practice and the ideas of female artists active in minimalism and conceptual art in the late 20th century
ARTIST STATEMENT
In my solo exhibition Cloud Writings, I present works that emerged from my exploration of my own roots in generative art—an effort to identify and honor my influences.
Since 2019, I have dedicated myself to researching artists such as Anni Albers, Vera Molnár, and Charlotte Posenenske, who are known for their systematic approach in creating work with two-dimensional grids, even before the computer as we know it was invented.
I develop contemporary algorithms inspired by these historical ones—a methodology I call “algorithmic archeology”. With these algorithms, I devise computer programs to instruct plotting machines. A plotter is a specialized mechanical device that creates precise technical and architectural drawings by moving pens or markers across paper on an X-Y axis. Unlike printers, which apply ink in lines from left to right, top to bottom, the plotter draws lines in all directions. This process gives drawings an organic quality that goes beyond the precision of digital prints. The plotter draws lines in all directions, and through its slow, mechanical movement creates unique and unrepeatable results that bring a human and unpredictable materiality to my digital works.
The drawings are composed of two-dimensional grid structures: rows and columns of repeating elements. They refer to the process of writing text and the process of weaving textile. Their designs touch on religious and heraldic imagery. Some drawings I made partially by hand, which was a rich and meditative commitment for me.
Besides plotted works on paper, I have installed multiple digital works on screen to give insight into the inner workings of the algorithms that created the drawings, allowing the viewer to experience the potentially infinite possibilities from which the material works.
Read more information here.
Image:
Atlas, Harm van Den Dorpel, 2025
Plotter drawing on watercolour paper
84.1 × 59.4cm / 33.1 × 23.4″ (unique)