ANSELM REYLE
MAGIC SHINE RAY 800
XIE ZILONG PHOTOGRAPHY MUSEUM, HUNAN, CHINA
22 JUNE – 3 NOVEMBER 2024
The exhibition MAGIC SHINE RAY 800 showcases more than 20 works by leading German contemporary artist Anselm Reyle from the past 12 years. It comprehensively covers different aspects of his oeuvre, from the iconic neon installations, foil paintings, straw bale sculptures, and Fat Lava-styled vases to a recent body of abstract photography.
Installation view, “Anselm Reyle: Magic Shine Ray 800”, Xie Zilong Photography Museum, Changsha, 2024. Image courtesy of Xie Zilong Photography Museum, photo: Chen Siwei.
Among the highlights are the artist’s largest ever site-specific neon installation as well as the giant WINDSPIEL (CURVED RHOMBUS), 2020, recently acquired by the museum as part of the permanent collection. This “kinetic” sculpture changes the light and shadow of the space constantly, inviting the audience into an ever-flowing world.
Installation view, “Anselm Reyle: Magic Shine Ray 800”, Xie Zilong Photography Museum, Changsha, 2024. Image courtesy of Xie Zilong Photography Museum, photo: Chen Siwei.
The immersive site-specific neon installation demonstrates the artist’s masterful use of light. It consists of over 800 neon lights – hence the English title of the exhibition. For the artist, installing neon lights is like drawing with them in three dimensions. These seemingly abstract "strokes" are, in fact, based on fragments of advertisements he saw in a city at night. The shimmering floor of the space adds another layer to the work. Visitors are invited to walk through the installation and upon its reflection and immerse themselves in the artwork.