Idris Khan: Beyond the Black
Idris Khan: Beyond the Black
Information
A new body of work by the artist, for his third solo presentation with the gallery. This exhibition marks an important departure from Khan's photographic based works and comprises a suite of large black paintings, a monumental site specific wall drawing and a series of works on paper, all of which consider the metaphysics of creativity.
In the exhibition's seven paintings Khan uses a mixture of black pigment, rabbit skin glue and slate dust, to create an absorbent ground which he applies to aluminium panels or directly to the wall and then sands back to produce a smooth, slate-like surface. The paintings are intensely dark with a dense radial constellation of words creating an image that suggests a contained energy emanating from a central point.
Following on from earlier bodies of work in which he referenced the writings of Agnes Martin, Jean-Paul Sartre and early Sufi philosophers, these new works incorporate Khan's own writings, inspired by his reading of Friedrich Nietzsche's The Birth of Tragedy.
The works are gradually built up with strands of text applied on top of one another in red-black oil based paint. During the making of the works the glossy words disappear into the black ground surface until they become saturated to such an extent the words slip from tangibility into abstraction. This denial of legibility thwarts a basic human desire to understand and to establish meaning. The further we manage to see into the text the less easy it is to comprehend.
The writings that make up the canvas, wall and paper works in this exhibition have profound resonance for the artist and describe his approach to creating work. Some focus on visual details, while others have a more personal quality. However, for the viewer their full meaning is elusive. Khan appears to suggest that our linear experience of time and place has a more shadowy relationship with memory and the subconscious, and that they cannot be so easily grasped.
In thinking about these works Khan was also acutely aware of the great twentieth-century masters who worked with an intense, black on black palette, including Mark Rothko, Ad Reinhardt, Agnes Martin, Frank Stella and Richard Serra. Repetition and action have always been central to Khan's practice along with a restricted set of processes. His earlier works touch on the subject of totality, photographing every page of the Koran, or overlaying every note of Beethoven's sonatas to bring photography closer to painting. His more recent body of work saw him drawing on a chalkboard, repeatedly photographing his marks to an abstract state. This new work focuses on the repeated process of the hand and its direct contact with its surface.
Khan's work is a continuous process of creating and erasing, or adding new layers whilst retaining traces of what has gone before. The large wall drawing, which will be created by the artist in situ in the gallery's upper floor over a period of a month will consist of more than 120,000 lines of text, again forming a giant radial form.
Khan has commented: "Through repetition one is allowed other freedoms: perhaps that of thought outside of the words' linguistic formulations and into abstract territory, that of drawing figures that might be letters in one time and pure nothings in another. The title Beyond the Black asks you to think of looking past the surface of the painting, past the existence of the words and through the work to the meaning of its creation."
Watch a film about the artist and exhibition here.
View an online catalogue for the exhibition here.
Born in Birmingham in 1978, Khan lives and works in London. He is currently collaborating with Wayne McGregor and composer Max Richter on Richter's recomposition of The Four Season's to be performed at the Zurich Opera House in April 2014; where Khan will design the sets. His monumental sculpture Seven Times, 2010 is touring to Doha Museum of Islamic Art from October - December as part of the British Museum's Haaj exhibition. In 2012 he was commissioned to make five works for the New York Times Magazine and his image of the London Eye featured on the cover. TIME magazine choses it as one of the top magazine covers of the year.
Khan has shown internationally, including solo shows at the Whitworth Gallery, University of Manchester (2012); Sadler's Wells, London (2011); Gothenburg Konsthall, Sweden (2011); Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, Toronto (2010); Kunsthaus Murz, Murzzuschlag, Austria (2010); and K20, Düsseldorf (2008). His work has also been included in group shows at Jeu de Paume, Paris, 2013; The Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville, Florida (2013); The British Museum, London (2012); National Museum of Contemporary Art, Oslo (2012); Fundament Foundation, Tilburg (2011); Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York (2010); and Martin-Gropius Bau, Berlin (2009).
Related
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Interview
Posted
July 31 2024
Idris Khan is interviewed by BOMB Magazine
The artist reflects on themes that unite the works in his first US solo museum exhibition, on view at Milwaukee Art Museum until 11 August 2024. -
Review
Posted
May 29 2024
Idris Khan: Repeat After Me is reviewed by The Brooklyn Rail
‘There’s a meditative atmosphere enveloping the assembled works.’ – Tom McGlynn Tom McGlynn, The Brooklyn Rail -
Exhibition
Posted
April 5 2024
Idris Khan: Repeat After Me at the Milwaukee Art Museum
The exhibition (5 April–11 August 2024) chronicles the development of the artist’s practice across more than two decades, from early monochromatic photographic works that capture the flow of time in still images, to a new series of abstract watercolor compositions that encapsulate the essence of iconic paintings of the 16th–18th centuries through their use of colour. Milwaukee Art Museum, Wisconsin -
Exhibition
Posted
September 28 2023
Idris Khan & Annie Morris: When Loss Makes Melodies at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
On view from 4 October 2023, a two-person exhibition engaging in a poignant dialogue with the Manor's neo-classical architecture, designed by Sir John Soane. Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery -
Exhibition
Posted
February 9 2023
Now extended – Two Worlds Entwined: Annie Morris and Idris Khan at Newlands House
The exhibition (now on view until 4 June 2023), featuring the artist couple’s work side by side for the first time in the UK, explores the artistic practices of Morris and Khan within the historic and intimate setting of Newlands House gallery. Newlands House Gallery, Petworth, West Sussex -
Exhibition
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January 23 2023
Just opened: Islamic Arts Biennale 2023, featuring Idris Khan
In its inaugural edition (23 January–23 April 2023) the Islamic Arts Biennale brings together centuries of faith and artistic expression. Hajj Terminal West, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah -
Exhibition
Posted
July 1 2022
Idris Khan at Château La Coste
Unveiled in the Richard Rogers Drawing Gallery, Idris Khan's exhibition (1 July–September 2022) brings together 24 new watercolours and three large paintings. Château La Coste, Provence -
Edition
Posted
March 21 2022
I Thought We Had More Time..., a ten-day timed edition by Idris Khan to raise funds for Ukrainian humanitarian causes
100% of profits will be donated to Disasters Emergency Committee, via the Evening Standard's Ukraine Appeal. -
Review
Posted
May 24 2021
Frieze reviews Idris Khan’s recent exhibition The Seasons Turn
’The artist uses abstractions to expose our fragile yet resilient nature in relation to the pandemic’ Natalie Nzeyimana, Frieze -
Interview
Posted
April 20 2021
Apollo: In the studio with… Idris Khan
'I find that different types of music help me and inform the paintings at certain parts of the day.' Apollo -
Channel
April 13 2021
Idris Khan: The Seasons Turn
Conceived of as two distinct installations, each a reflection on aspects of the past year, The Seasons Turn included a suite of 28 watercolour and oil collaged works on paper that incorporate fragments of the score of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, and an environment of enveloping blue paintings whose rich bands of colour are layered with the artist’s thoughts, feelings and responses to the past twelve months. -
Interview
Posted
April 2 2021
Idris Khan on BBC Front Row: The Blue Edition
This edition of Front Row is a blue odyssey led by John Wilson as he talks to, among others, Idris Khan, who discusses his work in the current VM exhibition The Sky was Blue the Sea was Blue and the Boy was Blue and his upcoming solo exhibition at the gallery, The Seasons Turn. BBC Front Row -
News story
Posted
February 13 2020
Wallpaper* selects Victoria Miro’s Idris Khan presentation as one of its Frieze LA highlights
'…it’s his suite of Large Rhythm Paintings, based on sheet music, that has us completely entranced…' Wallpaper* -
Interview
Posted
February 7 2020
Idris Khan is profiled in the Financial Times ahead of his solo presentation with Victoria Miro at Frieze LA
'Their intensity casts a spell over the space, as if Mark Rothko had found inspiration in a Renaissance Madonna.' – Rachel Spence Rachel Spence, The Financial Times -
Exhibition
Posted
February 7 2020
Idris Khan creates a unique work for Fine Cell Work’s Human Touch exhibition and sale
This exhibition (Sotheby's, London, 26 February-3 March 2020; bidding from 12 February 2020) and sale of works a ground-breaking collaboration between international contemporary artists and stitchers working in prisons, trained by the leading charity and social enterprise Fine Cell Work. Sotheby's, London -
Exhibition
Posted
February 5 2020
Coming soon – Time Present: Photography from the Deutsche Bank Collection, featuring Idris Khan
The exhibition (21 March 2020–8 February 2021) presents a broad spectrum of international photography collected by Deutsche Bank over the course of four decades. Palais Populaire, Berlin -
Commission
Posted
November 21 2019
Idris Khan’s public sculpture 65,0000 Photographs is officially unveiled at One Blackfriars
For this towering sculpture and major public work, Khan has drawn from his personal archive of images from the past six years – some 65,000 images. Using this number of photographs, he has created a monumental column for One Blackfriars. The sculpture represents the volume of photography in the modern age and draws attention to the almost forgotten art of photographic printing, in our ever more digitised world. One Blackfriars, London -
Interview
Posted
November 18 2019
Idris Khan talks to the British Journal of Photography as his new public sculpture, 65,000 Photographs, goes on view in London
Khan’s eight-metre-tall public sculpture in London represents every image the British artist has taken over the past five years: 'It is about using the physicality of a photograph to show time' Marigold Warner, British Journal of Photography -
Interview
Posted
November 11 2019
Idris Khan talks to Robert Elms for Listed Londoner
The artist talks to Robert Elms as a new sculpture at One Blackfriars is unveiled. Robert Elms, BBC Radio London -
Interview
Posted
November 4 2019
Idris Khan talks to Wallpaper* about 65,0000 Photographs, a new public sculpture for London
65,000 Photographs distills Khan’s photographed life into a physical column… this is an immensely personal project for Khan. Elly Parsons, Wallpaper* -
Publications
October 30 2019
Idris Khan: Words Beneath Words
Idris Khan: Words Beneath WordsNot currently available25.000 in cart -
Commission
Posted
May 3 2019
A major new public sculpture for London by Idris Khan
Commissioned by St George's Plc with London Borough of Southwark as part of the development of One Blackfriars, the work titled 65,000 Photographs will be installed at the new public plaza in October 2019 and is the artist's first permanent public artwork in the UK. One Blackfriars, London -
News story
Posted
January 3 2019
Works by Idris Khan feature in The New York Times Magazine
Two new works by Khan appear alongside an essay by novelist Rachel Cusk in this week's New York Times Magazine. The New York Times -
Review
Posted
October 17 2018
Press for Idris Khan: 21 Stones, the British Museum’s first site-specific artwork
The work forms part of the new Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World (from 18 October 2018). -
Exhibition
Posted
October 16 2018
Idris Khan creates the British Museum’s first site-specific work as part of the new Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World
Opening on 18 October 2018, the new gallery is a new exploration of the Islamic world through art and material culture. In response to the BM's Islamic world collection and building on the collection of contemporary works on paper, Khan has created 21 Stones, an installation of twenty one unique paintings, British Museum -
News story
Posted
October 4 2018
Idris Khan creates the first ever artwork for the Evening Standard’s Comment section
For the first time in its history, the Evening Standard has commissioned an artwork for its Comment section. Khan has responded with a work that addresses the question 'why art matters'. The Evening Standard -
Event
Posted
September 18 2018
Idris Khan talks about his work as part of Art Out Loud at Chatsworth
On Friday 21 September, Khan talks about his practice, exploring the influences and the creative process behind his work. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire -
News
Posted
September 10 2018
Idris Khan talks to The National about creating the award-winning UAE memorial Wahat Al Karama
'It was about a year-and-a-half before I could really feel myself getting back into the studio – not the ongoing work that you sort of know how to make, but fresh ideas. The project took a lot out of me.' Melissa Gronlund, The National -
Event
Posted
April 11 2018
A Wayne McGregor triple bill, featuring Kairos with set design by Idris Khan, at Nationaltheater, Munich
Performances by Munich's Bayerisches Staatsballett include Kairos, McGregor's reimagination of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, with set design by Idris Khan and score by Max Richter. Nationaltheater, Munich -
Exhibition
Posted
February 6 2018
Idris Khan creates a new work to mark the re-opening of Kettle’s Yard
The exhibition, titled Actions: The image of the world can be different (10 February - 6 May 2018), marks the opening of the new Kettle's Yard and seeks to reassert the potential of art as a poetic, social and political force in the world. Kettle's Yard, Cambridge -
Picture story
Posted
February 5 2018
Idris Khan creates photo illustrations for The New York Times Magazine’s Olympics issue
Khan's photo illustrations featured on the cover of the Olympics Issue of The New York Times Magazine, accompanying a piece by acclaimed Norwegian writer Karl Ove Knausgaard on the hidden drama of speedskating The New York Times -
Event
Posted
January 23 2018
Tate Britain Salon, featuring Idris Khan
Titled Refuge, Exile, Migration, this Salon talk (16 February 2018) is inspired by Tate Britain's current exhibition, Impressionists in London. Tate Britain -
News story
Posted
November 23 2017
Idris Khan receives his OBE for services to Art
The artist was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to Art in the Queen’s Birthday 2017 Honours List. He received his OBE from Prince Charles yesterday at an investiture at Buckingham Palace. -
News story
Posted
October 23 2017
Idris Khan, Conrad Shawcross and Grayson Perry are among the Evening Standard’s Progress 1000 celebration of London’s most influential people
The artists are featured among London's Top Visualisers: Artists & Curators. London Evening Standard -
News
Posted
October 11 2017
Idris Khan’s Monument and Pavilion of Honour for Wahat Al Karama, UAE’s Memorial Park, receives an American Architecture Prize
'This work exemplifies the power of fusion between art and architecture in a project that conveys purpose and emotion and creates a place of reflection, serenity and significance for its nation.' -
News story
Posted
October 11 2017
The National reports on Idris Khan’s receipt of a 2017 American Architecture Prize
'Completed last year, the centrepiece of Wahat Al Karama is a 90-metre long monument comprising 31 tablets which symbolise the support between the UAE’s military, the families of its servicemen and women and the country’s citizens in the face of adversity.' Nick Leech, The National -
Exhibition
Posted
September 22 2017
Idris Khan in Legacies: JMW Turner and Contemporary Art Practice at The New Art Gallery Walsall
A major exhibition (22 September 2017 – 14 January 2018) considering the legacy of JMW Turner through the lens of contemporary art. The New Art Gallery Walsall -
News story
Posted
September 19 2017
Idris Khan speaks to Artsy about his new work for Make-A-Wish UK’s fundraising gala
The newly commissioned works are on display at the Serpentine Galleries on 1 October 2017 and are being sold to benefit the charity through an online auction. The culminating event, The Art of Wishes Fundraising Gala, takes place on 2 October at the Dorchester Hotel. Casey Lesser, Artsy -
News
Posted
August 8 2017
Idris Khan’s monument for UAE Memorial Park is shortlisted for a World Architecture Festival award
Khan has been shortlisted in the Civic and Community category of the World Architectural Festival, which will be held in Berlin (15-17 November 2017). -
News story
Posted
June 16 2017
Idris Khan appointed OBE in the Queen’s Birthday 2017 Honours List
Artist Idris Khan has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to Art in the Queen’s Birthday 2017 Honours List. -
Event
Posted
April 10 2017
Idris Khan receives a Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2017 award
Khan is one of nine winners, including former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, selected for their contributions to cultural diplomacy and promoting positive change. Abu Dhabi, UAE -
Interview
Posted
April 7 2017
Architectural Digest talks to Idris Khan about his monument for UAE Memorial Park
In this interview with Devanshi Shah, Khan discusses his ideas for this major commission. Image: Jonathan Gainer, Surface. Devanshi Shah, Architectural Digest -
Exhibition
Posted
March 13 2017
Last chance to see Idris Khan at The Whitworth
A solo exhibition (14 October 2016 - 19 March 2017), the artist's second at the Whitworth, features a monumental wall drawing created specially for the gallery space. The Whitworth, Manchester -
Event
Posted
March 9 2017
Idris Khan in conversation
Join the artist for a talk (23 March 2017) about his work at his major New Art Gallery Walsall exhibition. New Art Gallery Walsall -
Exhibition
Posted
February 2 2017
Idris Khan: A World Within at The New Art Gallery Walsall
The exhibition (3 February - 7 May 2017) brings together significant bodies of work, drawing on a range of interests including classical music, the history of art, literature, philosophy and religion. The New Art Gallery, Walsall -
Interview
Posted
January 26 2017
Idris Khan: FT Everything Else Podcast
The artist talks about his life and work ahead of his major survey exhibition at The New Art Gallery Walsall. John Sunyer and Griselda Murray Brown, The Financial Times -
Interview
Posted
January 4 2017
Idris Khan talks to Aesthetica Magazine about his monument for UAE Memorial Park
Residing right across Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – the UAE capital’s most prominent landmark, Wahat Al Karama pays tribute to those who gave their lives in support of their country’s sovereignty, dignity and freedom. Aesthetica Magazine -
News story
Posted
November 30 2016
The Art Newspaper reports on Idris Khan's monument for UAE Memorial Park
Which artist won the world’s largest, most prestigious and probably most valuable commission this year, taking it from concept to finish in nine months? The answer is Idris Khan: 38, British, of Pakistani and Welsh parents. Anna Somers Cocks, The Art Newspaper -
News story
Posted
November 24 2016
Idris Khan creates monument for UAE Memorial Park
The National newspaper (UAE) reports on the British artist's major new sculpture for the memorial park in Abu Dhabi The National -
Gallery Exhibition
1 May - 6 June 2015
Idris Khan: Conflicting Lines
An exhibition of new work in the artist's fourth solo presentation with the gallery. Working across mediums including sculpture, painting and photography, Khan is well known for his large-scale works,... Victoria Miro Mayfair -
Review
Posted
January 2 2014
Idris Khan: Beyond the Black reviewed in Artforum
'He employs… formal tropes in his new work to evoke a tense affiliation between language, understanding, and identity.' Zehra Jumabhoy, Artforum -
Gallery Exhibition
17 March - 24 April 2010
Idris Khan
Victoria Miro is delighted to announce an exhibition of new work by Idris Khan. Idris Khan's second solo show with the gallery, will consist of two major sculptural installations and... Victoria Miro Gallery I -
Gallery Exhibition
2 - 30 September 2006
Idris Khan
In this new body of work, Khan re-photographs and digitally layers a sequence or series of pictures in an enigmatic play of appropriation and re-creation. His photographs possess characteristics more... Victoria Miro Gallery I