Jean-Michel Othoniel's Solo Exhibition Currently on View at Perrotin Tokyo

ART | "DREAM ROAD"

"DREAM ROAD": An Exhibition Overflowing with a Contemplative Approach to Nature

Jean-Michel Othoniel's solo exhibition "DREAM ROAD" is currently on view at Perrotin Tokyo. The series of works themed around the chrysanthemum invites viewers into his unique worldview. The exhibition runs until Saturday, November 7, 2020.

Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)

A World of "Dream Road" Expressed Through Sculptures and Paintings

An exhibition of works by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, titled "DREAM ROAD"
is currently underway. This marks his first exhibition in Japan since his retrospective at the Hara Museum ARC in 2012.

The title "DREAM ROAD" is derived from the word "Yumeji" (dream road), which appears in "Kokin Wakashu" and "Gosen Wakashu," Japanese poetry anthologies compiled in the 900s.

Jean-Michel Othoniel "DREAM ROAD" — View of the exhibition “夢路 – Dream Road” at Perrotin Tokyo, 2020 Photographer: Kei Okano Courtesy of Perrotin

This word carries a dual meaning: "to dream" and "to meet a loved one in a dream."

Othoniel names his exhibition "DREAM ROAD," signifying a "road of dreams" towards imagination and creation.

In this solo exhibition, he continues his exploration of nature through a contemplative approach. The abstract, sensory works reflect this pursuit. One piece, "Kiku," draws inspiration from the symbolic meaning of the chrysanthemum in classical Japanese culture.

The chrysanthemum was introduced to Japan from China in the 8th century as a medicinal herb and was cherished by the imperial family, nobility, and samurai. It is said that during its blooming season in September, people would cover the flowers with cloth overnight to collect dew, and then use this dew-covered cloth to wipe their bodies the following morning, purifying their spirits and praying for longevity.

Based on this custom, the combination of chrysanthemums and dew appears repeatedly as a motif in classical literature, including waka poetry. The "eternal life" of the chrysanthemum depicted in the works is beautified with a sense of melancholy, serving as a contrast to the fragile and ephemeral nature of human life.

Jean-Michel OTHONIEL Kiku - Kakitsubatairo (Rabbit-ear iris color), 2020, Monotype on Japanese paper, 36 x 24 cm, 1/1 edition + 2 AP
© Jean-Michel Othoniel / JASPAR, Tokyo 2020 Photo: Claire Dorn / Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin

In this installation, sculptural works are presented like sacred icons alongside calligraphic paintings. It recreates a closed, forbidden garden where chrysanthemums bloom.

Their forms are organic and ambiguous, existing between plant and "knot." The artist also referenced the traditional beauty of the "musubi" (knot) in Japanese culture, symbolizing love and connection.

This piece offers a captivating visual experience consistent with Othoniel's sculptural works, while the enigmatic shape of the mirrored knot entices the viewer.

In his large-scale canvas paintings, colossal flowers rendered in black ink on layers of platinum leaf possess a dreamlike aura.

Jean-Michel OTHONIEL Kiku - Chrysanteme, painting on canvas, black ink on white gold leaf, 164 x 124 x 5 cm
© Jean-Michel Othoniel / JASPAR, Tokyo 2020 Photo: Claire Dorn /Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin
Jean-Michel OTHONIEL Kiku - Kokushokuiro (black), black ink on white gold leaf, 164 x 124 x 5 cm
© Jean-Michel Othoniel / JASPAR, Tokyo 2020 Photo: Claire Dorn / Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin

The dark, abstract calligraphy stands in contrast to the installation in the main space, also themed around "Kiku," achieving pure abstraction. The painting "Kiku" is a work that signifies Othoniel's enduring affection for drawing, a practice central to his artistic career since its inception.

In the main gallery space, elegant sculptures adorned with carefully chosen colors are displayed on pedestals.

Jean-Michel OTHONIEL Kiku - Ōtaniro (Earthen yellow-red-brown), 2020, Mirrored glass, stainless steel, 49 x 49 x 47 cm, Unique
© Jean-Michel Othoniel / JASPAR, Tokyo 2020 Photo: Claire Dorn / Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin
Jean-Michel OTHONIEL Kiku - Hiwamoegiiro (Siskin sprout yellow), 2020 Mirrored glass, stainless steel 39 x 47 x 49 cm, Unique
© Jean-Michel Othoniel / JASPAR, Tokyo 2020 Photo: Claire Dorn / Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin

This installation evokes the displays found at the "Bunkyo Chrysanthemum Festival," which Othoniel has visited numerous times. In a separate room, three paintings rendered on gold leaf are exhibited.

This solo exhibition offers a profound experience of Jean-Michel Othoniel's unique worldview. We highly recommend a visit.

"DREAM ROAD"