As the phrase goes, "s—- happens." Walead Beshty explores different ways that it may happen, and in doing so, he gently suggests that we consider the implications. His solo show at Rat Hole Gallery exemplifies this. There are two series of works: a selection of framed sheets of large-format film that have passed through airport X-ray machines, and damaged glass cubes set atop the Fedex boxes they were shipped in. Both are projects in which the artist set a process in motion and then displayed the outcomes without strong authorial comment.
It's Beshty's first solo show in Japan, though his work has appeared in some of the most renowned museums and festivals in the international art scene for a number of years. His particular alchemy of signposting complex systems of everyday life using minimalist typologies, and mixing randomness with rigor have resulted in a healthy roster of shows since his graduation from Yale University School of Art in 2002.
As he talks about his work and his experience of visiting Japan for the first time, Beshty is mild and circumspect. It's been "lovely," "really nice," and he's a bit surprised that Tokyo is "just like everywhere" — it's not all crazy game shows and schoolgirls tied up, as the Western media suggests.