Pace Tokyo proudly presents Beyond Belief, the first-ever solo exhibition in Japan by renowned New York-based artist Arlene Shechet. Known for her versatile and experimental approach to sculpture and mixed media, Shechet brings a blend of ceramics, paper, tapestry, and more to this two-floor exhibition. Designed to be a multi-sensory journey, Beyond Belief goes beyond the intellect and directly engages visitors with works that Shechet crafted to “feel generous” and to offer an introduction to the wide language of her art.
Exhibiton view of Arlene Shechet’s Beyond Belief at Pace Gallery Tokyo
Image Credits: Keizo Kioku
Having previously shown her work worldwide, Shechet shares that her installation at Pace Tokyo is her first in Japan. She views the gallery’s two-story setup as a “challenge that makes it an original solution” rather than a limitation, allowing her to shape the exhibition’s flow from floor to floor. Reflecting on her process, Shechet explains, “The space here is very particular… It won’t just be like any other show. It’ll be special.”
With works spanning almost two decades, Beyond Belief offers a glimpse into Shechet’s deeply personal and organic creative method. Rather than tailoring her work to fit a specific exhibition, Shechet describes her process as an ongoing, intuitive journey: “I don’t actually work explicitly for a show. I’m always working every day… When a show comes, I look around, and I think how I’m going to edit it to make it make sense to me in whatever space I have.”
For Shechet, inspiration is everywhere—from “tripping over a ball” to observing the natural world. Yet, her practice is rooted in a sense of presence and intuition, deeply influenced by Eastern philosophies, especially Buddhism and the Japanese concept of Ma (the interplay of space and time). She believes that art, much like life, should flow from a state of not knowing, a Zen-like acceptance of discovery in each moment. This approach resonates with the ideas of artists such as John Cage and Philip Guston, who championed similar explorations.
Shechet’s work invites viewers to bring their own perspectives, resisting fixed meanings. “The audience is essential to complete my work,” she says, welcoming her Tokyo audience to engage in this final act of meaning-making. Beyond Belief at Pace Tokyo offers a chance to feel and connect with the “Unknown” in Arlene Shechet’s art.
Exhibiton view of Arlene Shechet’s Beyond Belief at Pace Gallery Tokyo
Image Credits: Keizo Kioku
Arlene Shechet, Beyond Belief
Date: Nov 1 – Dec 21, 2024
Location: Pace Tokyo, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A 1-2F
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