“KAAT EXHIBITION 2017” A forest of poetry A space where you can talk

“KAAT EXHIBITION 2017” A forest of poetry A space where you can talk

--What kind of exhibition is KAAT EXHIBITON 2017?

Six emerging artists who create Japanese paintings and sculptures are exhibiting their works in the KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theater studio, a space originally used for performances and performing arts. When you think of an art museum, you are surrounded by white walls, making it difficult to hang things from the ceiling or hammer nails into the floor or walls, but this is naturally possible at the Naka Studio, which is also the theater's rehearsal space. This exhibition attempts an experimental approach by using lighting to add light to this pitch-black space known as a "black box." Some of the Japanese paintings made with washi paper, ink, and mineral pigments are so huge that they can be hung from the ceiling, while others are shaped like folding screens and stand on their own. Sculptures made from stone, glass, and metal are skillfully intertwined with each other in a rhythmic manner, creating a ``forest'' of modern art full of emotion, allowing visitors to step inside the work and hear the words that come to mind. I would like you to take a walk and feel like you are floating inside.

--Specifically, what kind of artists are there?

Natsunosuke Mise (Japanese painting) is a professor at Tohoku University of Art and Design in Yamagata Prefecture, and is an artist who creates gigantic works of art by piecing together pieces of Japanese paper drawn with ink, pigment, and metal foil. Although he calls himself a ``painter'' and has a consistent production style that creates works by accumulating detailed drawings, his works that transform the traditional styles of Japanese art such as folding screens and hanging scrolls are categorized under the framework of ``Japanese paintings.'' It can be said that it goes beyond and is not bound by existing concepts.

Akira Nagasawa (Japanese painting), like Mise, is a professor at the Tohoku University of Design in Yamagata Prefecture. I mainly produce works. Currently, my work focuses on tigers as a motif, and their extremely abstracted bodies appear to us like mythical beings. Mr. Nagasawa does not limit himself to paintings, but also works in installations, three-dimensional works, and other forms of work that are not limited to other forms of work. It can truly be called ``modern Japanese painting'' that goes beyond the existence of ``Japanese painting.''

Tomiyuki Kaneko (Japanese painting) has been based in a marginal village in Yamagata Prefecture since completing his doctoral course at Tohoku University of Design, where Mr. Mise and Mr. Nagasawa taught. Based on Japanese painting techniques using materials such as mineral pigments, ink, and metal foil, he creates paintings with motifs of folklore and legendary beings, and is characterized by the extensive amount of detail that covers the entire surface of the painting. Due to the nature of the subject matter, it is very stimulating, and viewers have a variety of opinions. However, the relentlessly detailed depictions seem to have a certain universality to them.

Nozomu Tanaka (Japanese painting) is the youngest and only artist in this exhibition, and is an up-and-coming artist who won the VOCA Grand Prize in 2014 while attending Tohoku University of Art and Design. The unique view of the world he creates while researching and researching the culture, progress, and folklore of each region can be said to be the result of his exploration of Japan's climate beyond the materials he uses. The rabbits depicted in abundance on the screen are reminiscent of Chojugiga, but by depicting them from a bird's-eye perspective rather than in the form of a picture scroll, the work loses its center and creates a chain of stories that occur in various scenes. is expressed.

Bunpei Kado (sculpture) has won numerous awards in contemporary art, including the TOKYO MIDTOWN AWARD and the Taro Okamoto Contemporary Art Award, and is currently participating not only in exhibitions but also in exhibitions such as the Setouchi Triennale and Ichihara Art Mix. He is an artist whose work is also exhibited at art festivals. Mr. Kado skillfully combines wood, steel, paper, and other everyday objects to produce and present works that infuse new meanings by shifting the meanings and functions of each material. These subtle discrepancies present, for example, the disturbing relationship between cities and nature in modern times, and highlight the ``unnaturalness'' that lurks in ordinary daily life.

Mr. Todo (sculpture) was previously based in Germany, but recently moved to Japan. Many of his works can now be seen in Japan and are attracting attention. His works mainly include laminated glass sandwiched between stones, and he uses not only stones but also books, rubble, and excavated bricks, which have a certain kind of storytelling and are trapped in time. This is a work that overlaps time and the accumulated material that permeates through it.

--Finally, please tell us about Open Theater 2017.

On the final day of the exhibition period, works by four contemporary artists who create sculpture, video, photography, and lacquer art, in addition to the six artists in question, will be displayed throughout the theater, making the entire KAAT a museum. . A variety of events will be held, including gallery talks by artists, workshops, video installations and dance, poetry readings, khomei, and theremin.

From Magcal Editorial Department

As soon as I opened the heavy door, I was immediately greeted by a huge work by Japanese painter Natsunosuke Mise. The light of the lighting hit the intricately drawn work like moonlight, and it took my breath away. As I walked forward, I was captivated by the works displayed in all directions, and time passed in the blink of an eye. The exhibition method was different from that of a typical museum, so I found not only the works themselves interesting, but also the exhibition method. On the 28th, the last day of the exhibition, there will be many events that can be enjoyed for free, so you can easily experience contemporary art.

“Forest of Poetry—A space where stories can be told”

Bunpei Kado
Tomiyuki Kaneko Tomiyuki Kaneko
Nozomi Tanaka
Todo TODO
Akira Nagasawa
Natsunosuke Mise

Exhibition period: Sunday, April 30, 2017 to Sunday, May 28, 2017 Open every day during the session
Venue: KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theater 3rd floor middle studio
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Admission fee: General 600 yen/Students/over 65 years old 500 yen/High school students and under free
Free for those with a disability certificate and one accompanying person / 100 yen discount for groups of 10 or more people

"Open Theater 2017"
Takehiro Iikawa
Genta Ishizuka
Kojiro Kobayashi
Akira Miyanaga

Date: May 28th (Sun)
Venue: Various locations within KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theater
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Admission fee: Free

Sponsor: KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theater
Cooperation: ART FRONT GALLERY, IMURA ART GALLERY, MIZUMA ART GALLERY, Tama Art University, Tohoku University of Art and Design, NHK Yokohama Broadcasting Station
281 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023
Contact: 045-633-6500 (main)

【event information】
The latest information on events such as performances, workshops, and talks will be posted on our website.
Repeat customer discount
If you present your exhibition ticket stub for the "Forest of Poetry" exhibition at the 3rd floor exhibition reception, you will receive a 100 yen discount on your admission fee. (Valid any number of times)

“KAAT EXHIBITION 2017” A forest of poetry A space where you can talk