| Japan Art Alliance - Contemporary Artists Painting - Sculpture - Mixed Media - Photography October 3 - October 25, 2003 |
Curated by James Cavello
New York, NY -- Through the month of October, Westwood Projects, a division of Westwood Gallery in SoHo, will exhibit the work of nine emerging and established artists from Japan. This second 'Japan Art Alliance' exhibition was organized in conjunction with ALC, Japan, an arts organization based in Tokyo. The focus of ALC is to provide more opportunities for up and coming artists who have created recognition for their artwork in Japan. The work on exhibit includes a wide range of mediums; painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media.
Photographer Toshihiko Iikubo presents a touching essay of photographs that capture a rare view into the life of one of Japan's greatest 20th Century artists, Munakata Shiko (1903-1975). Thirteen black and white silver gelatin prints provide insight into the small statured, near-sighted artist who became a legend through his own unique form of woodblock prints. Due to his eyesight, Munakata would carve into the wood, bent over so close, with his face almost touching the board. In an amazing method, his hand would grip the knife and with incredible speed and dexterity Munakata would almost instinctively carve the entire image. Munakata revolutionized the concept of scale in the woodblock print, creating enormous pieces for screen and wall murals. His work was deeply inspired by poetry, literary prose and Buddhist texts. Even though Munakata is the best-known Japanese printmaker of the last century, he is also regarded as one of the finest calligraphers of his time. Past exhibitions of his work were at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, Venice Biennale, Sao Paulo Biennale and many other international institutions. The photographs by Iikubo reflect a special relationship that was created between photographer and artist. Munakata allowed himself to be photographed during moments of creativity, normally meant for isolation. In addition, we see a playful side of Munakata, where he appears boyish and almost mischievous during the latter part of his life at a time when he had already experienced great honors from the government and cultural institutions of Japan. Iikubo's photographs have recently been published into a book, representing a personal view into the life of a legendary artist. The book will be available during the Westwood Gallery exhibition.
Akihito Suzuki studied the human form in order to interpret aspects of an arm, leg or foot and molded them into large bronze sculptures. The body parts are almost whimsical in nature, since we see it as a whole form, when in fact it is part of a whole. Fujiko Komatsu utilizes a sophisticated technique of airbrush painting to create blue works of wonder; at closer view it is recognizable that the painting is a close-up of a car windshield covered with beads of water and fallen leaves. As a female Japanese artist, it is unusual for Komatsu to be fascinated with cars - especially American cars. And, she explores her passion with the recurring auto theme, sometimes a hood, a door, a windshield or an unrecognizable vintage part that translates into an abstract image. Toshihiro Noguchi, who shares a name with the great sculptor, has found his own calling with wood sculpture. He envisions an image or shape that he skillfully carves into unique shapes and abstract forms. Kenichi Kato has experimented with handmade paper, highly regarded in Japan, and works it onto a wire mesh background, forming highly textured wall pieces. This subtle, yet finely crafted work, is a technique he has perfected over the years. Tetsugo Nakamura, a young artist who is fascinated by the influence of pop culture is known for creating paintings that reflect visual icons from Japan and the West. His new series are painted collages of entertainment and sports figures mixed with interpretations of current events and symbols of pop culture. Kazumi Fujimoto sees her work as an expression through wire, enamel, beads and metal, which is manipulated and twisted into sculptures with jewel tones becoming unique hand tooled objects. Masafumi Terai expresses the younger generation's love of animation, fantasy and escape by creating other worldly images in digital format. Terai explores the takeover of machinery or production with large cogs and wheels in a refined digital image. Rin Fujino also expounds on animation with graphic figures of Japanese female folklore. The women are characteristic of the ideal beauty, along with representing a sensitive nature.
Westwood Projects, a division of Westwood Gallery, was established to provide a forum for international artists, emerging artists, installations and art projects.