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August 31, 2020
Solo Exhibition "Polyhedron" by Contemporary Japanese Painter Hiroko Otake | ART
ART | Hiroko Otake Solo Exhibition "Polyhedron"
An emerging artist developing new techniques based on traditional methods.
The solo exhibition "Polyhedron" by contemporary Japanese painter Hiroko Otake will be held at elephant STUDIO in Shibuya. What is universal art in a changing era? The exhibition runs from Monday, August 31 to Sunday, September 6, 2020.
Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)
A New Era of Corona: Contemplating "Universality" Through Art
Contemporary Japanese painter Hiroko Otake, highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally, creates works themed around "constancy within fluid moments."
Based on traditional Japanese painting techniques, she uses foil and mineral pigments to explore the beauty found within opposing concepts.
Her expressive methods, which can appear destructive, as if burning or melting, within the life forms she often depicts such as flowers and butterflies, evoke the mysterious cycle and transformation of life, both beautiful and ephemeral.
Her solo exhibition, "Polyhedron," is now being held at the alternative space elephant STUDIO in Shibuya.
Her style, which conveys Japanese painting techniques and sensibilities as a new form of expression to the viewer, represents the artist herself continuously transforming, and is an attempt to unravel the interrelationship between natural principles and contemporary society.
In this exhibition, she further evolves her previous methods, presenting various facets of her work as "Polyhedron" across the 1st and 2nd floors, including her first-ever installation.
This exhibition is produced and directed by WATOWA gallery, an art project production group led by Takahiro Komatsu (WATOWA INC.), who also handles production for a wide range of fields from fashion to art.
Amidst the critical situation caused by the novel coronavirus, the venue has been continuously hosting exhibitions by notable artists since June, with the hope that art can bring a sense of "HOPEFULNESS" during these difficult times.
Komatsu commented, "This collection of works will likely convey a sense of 'universality' amidst the transformation of artists in the new era post-corona, and the coexistence of opposing concepts like 'normality' and 'transformation' in how we perceive and think about things. In today's world where perceptions, ideas, and societal values that were once considered normal are dramatically and continuously changing, I want people to once again feel the enduring value of art."
Hiroko Otake
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Nihonga (Japanese Painting) in 2006, and completed her doctoral program in Nihonga research at the Graduate School of Fine Arts in 2011, earning a Ph.D. in Fine Arts. Received the Emerald Prize from Tokyo University of the Arts in 2014. Stayed in New York from 2015-2016 under the Overseas Study Program for Artists by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. In 2019, her work "Psyche" was gifted to Vatican City on the occasion of the Pope's visit to Japan. Based on the traditional Japanese painting techniques she has honed over many years, she develops new expressions using foil and mineral pigments, earning high acclaim both domestically and internationally.
"Polyhedron" by Hiroko Otake
- Period | Monday, August 31 - Sunday, September 6, 2020
- Hours | 12:00 PM - 6:45 PM
- Venue | elephant STUDIO, 1F - 2F
- 2-7-4 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Admission | Free
*Advance reservation required via Peatix
https://polyhedron.peatix.com
*Even without a reservation, admission may be possible depending on the venue's situation on the day, but we may have to refuse entry due to COVID-19 measures. We appreciate you making an appointment.
