BOTTLES filled with string, a clump of wire on a wall, a collection of stones. At first glance I certainly was not a fan of Jiro Takamatsu.

One of the most influential and important artists in Japan during the 1960s and 1970s, Takamatsu veered between Dadaism, surrealism, and minimalism for almost four decades, using photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, and performance.

Central to the development of post-war art in Japan, his highly influential work is on show at the Henry Moore Institute in The Headrow, Leeds.

The Temperature of Sculpture is the first solo exhibition solo outside Takamatsu's home country presenting more than 70 works created between 1961 and 1977.

It was all a bit too surreal for me, and I said as much to the gallery assistant. “Yes, but have you see the key?” she asked.

‘Shadow of a Key’ (1971) is one of the most intriguing, captivating pieces of artwork I have ever seen. It is what it says on tin, only the shadow is painted.

It is hard to believe the hanging key is painted, and everyone who looks at it peers closely, scrutinising it for flaws or paint brush strokes.

But, yes, it is indeed painted, but looks uncannily like a shadow.

Takamatsu, who died in 1998 aged 62, is renowned for painting shadows, and further works show shadows of people opening (or closing) doors. They were not as well executed as the key, but interesting all the same.

In his Shadow series, the artist is known for exploring the differences between the experience of perception and the rules of logic.

I also liked a sculpture of a table and chairs on a slope. “An interesting study in perspective,” my husband said in a rather more artistically informed manner.

But there was a lot I did not like. The pieces of string hanging on walls, the 'lacquered wire', a bed sheet in the middle of the floor and a chair propped up at one side by a brick.. They were all a bit Turner Prize-ish for me.

My husband loved the natural logs, which Takamatsu had sculpted at the top, so the round logs suddenly became square.

Takamatsu, who died in 1998 aged 62, is known for exploring the differences between the experience of perception and the rules of logic.

The exhibition includes drawings made in preparation for the works, which are in some ways more interesting.

Forming part of Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle - along with Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Wakefield - The Henry Moore Institute is dedicated to celebrating sculpture. Located in the city where Moore began his training, the iconic building hosts year-round changing programmes of historical, modern and contemporary exhibitions presenting sculpture from across the world. It adjoins Leeds Art Gallery, which, with the institute, forms part of the triangle. Presently closed, the gallery reopens later this year following repairs to the roof.

There’s a Moore sculpture - The Reclining Woman - outside.

From September 20 a new exhibition, Mary Gillick: Her Art in your Pocket, begins at the institute, to run in conjunction with Takamatsu. It was Mary’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth ll which was chosen for British and Commonwealth coinage. It runs until January 28.

There’s a shop beneath the art gallery and, if you're feeling peckish, a real treat, the Tiled Hall Café, with striking marble columns, stunning ornate tiles and a barrel vaulted mosaic. Both remain open in spite of the building work. Tourist information is also available in the shop.

If you are out shopping, the institute’s galleries provide a welcome, peaceful break from the hustle and bustle.

*The Henry Moore Institute, The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH is open seven days a week with free entry. Jiro Takamatsu: The Temperature of Sculpture runs until October 22. W: henry-moore/org T:+0113 246 7467