Processes in Wood

Symposium 'reductive abstraction'

In the spring of 2005 FOAM/ArtRadius and Saksala ArtRadius organized a sculpture symposium based on the theme reductive abstraction. During the last two decades it seems that art has been attempting to give itself more content by accumulation. Combinations of superfluous materials and styles have lead to a redundant art. But this apparent development is only an aspect of art as a whole. What is presented as contemporary or even avant-garde is only that which has temporarily in the spotlights of the museums and galleries. The marketing of art by too many fashion seeking art historians and art promoters is continuously aimed at creating new trends. This would not be so detrimental, if only they would realize that different art forms have to exist next to each other in order to stimulate and feed each other. Letting the artists determine their development themselves seems to be too much to ask.

ArtRadius, a global initiative, set up and supported by artists, will give the wheel back to the artists - therefore seemingly forgotten movements in art will be re-established and put back in the spotlight.