Erlich's Art: Provoking Thought While Remaining Approachable

Born in Buenos Aires in 1973, Leandro Erlich has exhibited at numerous international venues, including the Venice Biennale in 2001 and 2005, creating immersive experiences that resonate across generations and borders. He currently resides in Montevideo, Uruguay, and has also presented works in Japan at museums and art festivals such as the Setouchi Triennale and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, establishing himself as an artist of international acclaim.

Picture provided: Single Cloud Collection, 2012 © Ignacio Iasparra for Galería Ruth Benzacar

《Rehearsal》2014 Le Répétition, 2014 Picture provided: Le Cabinet du Psychanalyste, Fundación Proa, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2005 © Leandro Erlich Studio

Leandro holds a special place for the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. "The Swimming Pool," a symbol of the museum, uses the mundane motif of a "pool." By "entering" the water, the work incorporates elements like changing colors and sounds depending on the weather and season. It provokes viewers' critical thinking while maintaining a sense of familiarity and ease, making it a beloved icon of the museum.

This exhibition features 17 works, including "The Swimming Pool" and Erlich's latest creations. Visitors can experience pieces such as "Elevator Pitch," a video installation that observes people through the regularly opening and closing doors of an elevator where strangers are confined, and "Log Cabin," a sculpture where the view from inside a log house and the interior seen from the outside are reflected in the windows, all of which are designed to be relatable.

Many of Erlich's works are also enjoyable for children. The museum offers programs for children, including "Gallery Tour for Family" sessions scheduled for Tuesday, June 17th, and Tuesday, July 1st.

This is a rare opportunity to enjoy a comprehensive collection of works by Leandro Erlich, who has consistently challenged our perception of reality through shared objects and experiences, proposing spaces for interaction through his art. It's an exhibition to be savored alongside the changing Kanazawa scenery from spring to summer.

《The Swimming Pool》 2004 © Leandro Erlich Studio photo: Atsushi Nakamichi / Nacása & Partners

Leandro Erlich - The Ordinary? / Leandro ERLICH - The Ordinary?
Dates: Saturday, May 3rd - Sunday, August 31st *Closed Mondays, except for July 21st and August 11th
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 *Fridays and Saturdays until 20:00
Venue: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
1-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Tel. 076-220-2800
Admission: Adults ¥1000, University Students ¥800, Junior High/High School Students ¥400, Seniors (65+) ¥800

Gallery Tour for Kids: "Where Are We?"
Date: Saturday, June 21st
Time: 13:00 - 14:30
Target Audience: Elementary school students (parent-child participation welcome)
Capacity: First 15 participants
How to Apply: Applications open from Sunday, June 1st (Tel. 076-220-2801)
Participation Fee: ¥300 (materials fee), exhibition admission ticket for the day

Gallery Tour for Family
Dates: Tuesday, June 17th, Tuesday, July 1st
Time: 11:00 - 12:00
Target Audience: Preschool children and their guardians
Capacity: 10 groups per session, first-come basis
How to Apply: Applications open from Sunday, June 1st (Tel. 076-220-2801)
Participation Fee: Free, exhibition admission ticket for the day

Let's Make! Workshop: "Right? Left? More? Gone?"
Date: Thursday, August 21st
Time: 13:00 - 15:30
Target Audience: 3rd to 6th grade elementary school students
Capacity: First 15 participants
How to Apply: Applications open from Friday, August 1st (Tel. 076-220-2801)
Participation Fee: ¥500, exhibition admission ticket for the day