Kensuke Koike: The Alchemist of Vintage Photographs
Kensuke Koike (Nagoya, 1980; lives in Venice) transforms vintage photographs and postcards sourced from flea markets into paradoxical worlds where absurdity feels more real than reality. He describes himself as an alchemist or magician, focusing on metamorphosis that changes both the artwork and the viewer. Through meticulous cuts, tears, and folds, he creates handcrafted mechanisms that produce surprising movements when touched. For about four years, Koike has documented his creative process in short videos shared on social media, often under the title "Today's curiosity," which compiles his most incredible results in nine minutes. His work challenges perception and certainty, turning paper into anything imaginable.
Key facts
- Kensuke Koike was born in Nagoya in 1980 and lives in Venice.
- He uses vintage photographs and postcards from flea markets.
- His works involve cuts, tears, folds, and handcrafted mechanisms.
- He has been sharing short process videos on social media for about four years.
- The videos are titled 'Today's curiosity' and compiled into nine-minute collections.
- His practice is centered on metamorphosis and absurdity.
- He tests his actions on photocopies before finalizing.
- His works include both static and interactive elements.
Entities
Artists
- Kensuke Koike
- Valerio Veneruso
Institutions
- Artribune
Locations
- Nagoya
- Venice