Chiharu Kihara
I visited Chiharu Kihara’s solo exhibition “Vitalism VI.” The venue is “roid works gallery” in Yushima.
Chiharu Kihara is an artist represented by roid works gallery, holding a solo exhibition once a year — this being her sixth.
Her previous show “Vitalism V” was likewise held at the year-end / New Year’s timeframe. Please refer to the article below.
Vitalism VI
This exhibition centered on works of animals — cats, birds, rabbits — and in every piece one senses the dancing strokes of her brush.
Even though I say “brush,” in Kihara’s case she paints on canvas with her fingers. She does also use ordinary brushes, of course, but a dynamism emerges precisely because she paints with her fingers.
There are many other artists who paint with their fingers, but Kihara’s strokes are supple, spirited, and gentle. There are strokes that convey vigor, but also delicate touches — I was so drawn in that I could not look away. I found myself wanting to see her actually at work.
I have long been drawn to her portrait paintings, so I was sorry to see so few of them exhibited here.
Of all the works on display, the one that drew me in most strongly was this piece, “Woman.”
A portrait rendered with deft coloring against silver. Magnificent.
Chiharu Kihara continues her practice with steady consistency.
She is an artist with a wonderful command of brushwork and color. I look forward to her continued activity.
