Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008

• 07 August–02 November 2008
• Free Entry
• The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

Robert Klippel
Australia 1920–2001, lived in United States 1958–63
No. 874  (c. 1990)
plastic, transparent synthetic polymer resin
14.1 x 10.0 x 5.4 cm
Private collection, Sydney
© Courtesy of Andrew Klippel

The creative union of father and son Robert and Andrew Klippel will be explored in a ground-breaking exhibition opening at the National Gallery of Victoria on 7 August.

Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008 presents the work of the late Robert Klippel, Australia’s leading sculptor of the post-war period in combination with a musical response from his son, composer and producer, Andrew Klippel.

Recognised as one of Australia’s most inventive sculptors, Robert Klippel was most well known for his abstract assemblages that were often made from found items including discarded foundry patterns, plastic model parts and other materials such as tin and foil.

The exhibition will feature a group of almost 200 miniature sculptures produced by Robert Klippel from the 1970s to the 90s, mostly never before exhibited.

The show will also present, for the first time, one of Klippel’s largest sculptures entitled No. 709. This sculpture was created as a wooden assemblage by Robert Klippel in 1988 and prepared for the process of bronze casting just prior to his death in 2001.

Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV said this monumental work will be completed and displayed for the first time in this exhibition.

“Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008 is a unique combination of the practices of Robert Klippel the sculptor and Andrew Klippel the musician, which we the audience are privileged to experience,” said Ms Lindsay.

A highlight of Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008 will be an audio experience designed by Andrew Klippel. Regarded internationally for his work in contemporary music, Andrew Klippel earned his reputation through a unique combination of roles that includes songwriter, producer, performer, and entrepreneur.

Andrew designed the sound installation for Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008 as a response to his late father’s work. He said he drew inspiration from his father throughout his musical career.

“What I have derived from my father’s work is the importance of focussing on the creative impulse and expanding on that,” said Andrew Klippel.

Klippel/Klippel: Opus 2008 is on at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square from 7 August until 2 November 2008. Admission is free.