The title “The Island Where the Great Ogre Lives” is taken from the surnames of Daisuke Ohba and Kengo Kito.
This is a group show featuring the two artists — both of whom teach at Kyoto University of Art and Design — together with four artists who studied under them.
Installation viewDaisuke Ohba, “M,” 2019. Acrylic, linen, panel. 900×900×45 mmKengo Kito, “Light in Emptiness,” 2019. Fabric, wood, acrylic paper, metal fragments, plastic, beads, leather, acrylic panel, LED. 1360×700 mmShinya Imanishi, “INAZUMA 30,” 2019. Oil, cotton, panel. 600×600 mmSaya Okubo, “They (Leader),” 2019. Oil and acrylic on canvas panel. 910×727 mmKurumi Kotani, “BREATH-2,” 2019. Cotton and acrylic on panel. 410×318 mmSaya Okubo, “a distant man,” 2019. Oil and acrylic on canvas panel. 410×318 mmSaya Okubo, “They (Venus),” 2019. Oil and acrylic on canvas panel. 1167×910 mmRight: Daisuke Ohba, “METEOR PAINTING,” 2019. Acrylic, iron meteorite, linen, panel. 500×500×45 mmShinya Imanishi, “Light 11,” 2019. Oil, cotton, panel. 970×1303 mmShinya Imanishi, “Light 11,” detailNaosuke Wada, “A graph #21” / “A graph #21,” 2019. Cashew on wooden panel. 320×180 mmKurumi Kotani, “21g,” 2019. Cotton and acrylic on panel. 910×727 mmCenter: Kengo Kito, “cartwheel galaxy,” 2019. Acrylic, glitter glass, spray on canvas. 1170×914 mmInstallation viewKurumi Kotani, “BREATH-1,” 2019. Cotton and acrylic on panel. 273×220 mmKengo Kito, “cartwheel galaxy,” 2019. Acrylic, glitter glass, spray on canvas. 653×532 mmKurumi Kotani, “Untitled,” 2019. Cotton and acrylic on panel. 530×455 mm
A show in which artists of markedly individual character converge in a single gallery space.
What left an impression was how beautifully everything harmonized under the curation of director Ashikawa.
Attention was drawn to Okubo and Kotani, whose works sold out on the opening day, but I found myself especially drawn to the works of Naosuke Wada.
Wada’s works do not translate at all in photographs, yet the subtle nuances of his expression are exquisite. He is reportedly among the artists collected by Takashi Murakami as well.
The rich matière of Shinya Imanishi’s works is also outstanding.
I highly recommend seeing everything in person at the venue.
