The Dailies

Overview

To many, a blank piece of paper is begging to be scrawled upon. But while writers and list-makers, heck, dreamers of any type look to words and doodles to fill empty space, German artist Thomas Demand has long had others ideas.

Renowned for creating large-scale sculptures out of paper and cardboard, and then photographing the end results before destroying his handiwork, Demand’s forthcoming exhibition will fascinate the masses for its understated beauty. In an image featuring a piece of crumpled notepaper, poking out from the steel bars of a street gutter, the scene’s simplicity evokes an overwhelming sense of sadness. Truly, you almost feel sorry for the paper and if you stare at it long enough, the creases begin to resemble rose petals. Another, of a coffee cup squished between the links of a fence, sparks further intrigue. It is Demand’s quiet story-telling ability that proves hypnotic. Who would’ve thought blank sheets of paper could speak in such volume?

Critics might compare the whole business to something like Sam Mendes’ infamous magnet for mockery, the American Beauty plastic bag. And yes, in a similar vein, each work encourages viewers to stop and really survey their surroundings. But there is an undeniable depth to Demand’s imagination.

Demand, whose works feature inside New York City’s Guggenheim and MOMA galleries, has earned plenty of praise for his genius minimalistic takes. Arguably his most famous work, Presidency, which was commissioned by The New York Times and now hangs in photo-form in Washington’s National Gallery of Art, showcases a recreation of the White House’s Oval office. Life-like like you wouldn’t believe, it serves as an unassuming conversation starter. Much like each of the works in this particular exhibition.

The Dailies is open Monday to Friday 11-7, Saturdays 11-4. On April 5, 12 and 19 it opens until 9 for Parlour.