I went to the solo exhibition by Harumizuru that was being held at Shinjuku Ganka Gallery.
It was shown in the smallest space in the gallery. Yet that compact space made for an exhibition that let the artist’s worldview feel condensed and, at the same time, larger than life.
The work that had also been used on the DM was completely different in coloring—a dazzling, radiant piece.
A bob-haired girl, rabbits, flowers, stars… Feminine motifs are lined up in these glittering works.
Each work comes with a commentary, but the commentary is covered with white paper and won’t reveal itself easily. Every one is cynical, viewing daily life a touch critically. And yet they carry a message that lets a little bright hope peek through.
Charming, illustration-style works. And yet, when you overlay them with the message hidden on the flip side, they can make you catch your breath…
There are many works with no expression on the faces, which gives a slightly unsettling feeling. If it weren’t for the bright, white gallery, you might end up with a mild sense of horror…
Look closely at the drawing made on cardboard, too, and…
Since it has no title, I found myself reading deeply into it…
Even so, the largest work, “The Laughing Person,” was a superb piece.
The person in the work is completely a young girl. Though she deliberately expresses the adult persona of a “person,” she holds a firm will, gazing straight ahead as if convinced of her future.
Paying no mind even to the barbed wire that looks as if it’s been torn apart, the girl simply turns her gaze upward—and for a while she held my eyes captive.
She was an artist whose many other works I’d love to keep seeing.
I’m rooting for her!
