Ai Kumehara
I visited Ai Kumehara’s solo exhibition “Kochifukaba” (When the East Wind Blows). I made my way to Gallery Kunimatsu Aoyama, a gallery in Aoyama, to see it.
I first encountered Kumehara’s work at “Akibatamabi,” a joint exhibition project of Tama Art University.
●Ai Kumehara Official Website
https://www.aikumehara.com/
The gallery is compact, built so that as you step through the entrance the whole body of work leaps into view at once.
“Women” Works
Ai Kumehara is a Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) artist, yet her motifs have a contemporary, pop sensibility. She portrays modern women with colorful palettes.
Women are a frequent subject in Kumehara’s work. First, the largest piece, “The Snow Falls No More.”
Setting itself apart from the “bijinga” (portraits of beautiful women) so often seen lately, and from works rooted in animation and comics, her pieces are characterized by capturing a smileless moment of everyday life. There is a pleasure for the viewer in gauging the inner life within.
The most striking work was “Nukutoshi.” Beyond the exquisite color scheme, it is a work that makes you imagine the movements of the heart hidden behind a complex, subtle expression. The fineness of the brushwork that lingers in the piece and the fuzzy spread of color are rich and warm. A wonderful work.
“Plum Blossom” Works
When it comes to Ai Kumehara, she has produced many works using plum blossoms as a motif.
The dazzling color of the plum blossoms and the way she sets the background are lovely. There is a dynamism that seems to spread
Her use of color in the backgrounds is skillful — and so is her flair for titles. While many artists take the easy way out (?) with “Untitled” or “No Title,” her good taste shines through.
She also seems adept at displaying works side by side.
I find myself admiring how wonderfully she frames her compositions.
Even in the smaller works, you feel a grandeur of scale, as if the world of branches and blossoms spreads
She appears to be a still-young artist. I would like to keep an eye on her future activity.
