Solo exhibition "Oracle" by sculptor Kohei Nawa opens

ART | Kohei Nawa Solo Exhibition "Oracle"

Showcasing New Works Born from Experimental Approaches

Sculptor Kohei Nawa's solo exhibition "Oracle" is currently underway. The exhibition features new paintings and works created using UV lasers, as well as three-dimensional art that pays homage to craft traditions. The exhibition runs until Sunday, January 31, 2021.

Text by WASEDA Kosaku (OPENERS)

On View at GYRE GALLERY in Omotesando, Tokyo

Sculptor Kohei Nawa's solo exhibition is currently being held at GYRE GALLERY in Omotesando, Tokyo.

Nawa is based at the studio "Sandwich" in Fushimi, Kyoto. Sandwich is a renovated former sandwich factory, reborn as a space for creation.

Sculptor Kohei Nawa's Solo Exhibition "Oracle" Opens | ART

It now houses a studio, offices, workshop spaces, and residences, where creators from various fields—including architects, designers, engineers, choreographers, and dancers—gather around Nawa, fostering daily collaborations.

With international travel becoming difficult this year, Nawa has spent more time at his studio, leading to the exploration of numerous experimental approaches in his work.

This solo exhibition features paintings that create complex materiality and textures by mixing multiple mediums, paints, oils, and oil paints, as well as new works utilizing UV lasers.

Furthermore, "Trans-Sacred Deer (g/p_cloud_agyo)" (commonly known as "Unroku"), a wood sculpture finished with lacquer and gold leaf, is presented as an homage to the Kamakura-period "Kasuga Shinjika Sharito" (Kasuga Deer Reliquary). This piece emerged from Nawa's recent project to revive traditional Kyoto crafts.

The dazzling and intricate decorations are a testament to Nawa's aesthetic sensibility and craftsmanship.

Additionally, the sculptural work "Silhouette," which was featured as stage art for pianist Koki Nakano's concerts at Spiral Hall in Tokyo and ROHM Theatre Kyoto two years ago, is displayed in the atrium of GYRE.

"Lift," 2018, ROHM Theatre Kyoto, Kyoto / Japan, photo by Yoshikazu Inoue

Coinciding with the opening of this solo exhibition is the Meiji Jingu Shrine's Centennial Festival. "White Deer (Meiji Jingu)" is exhibited in front of the Meiji Jingu Museum (until December 13th), and the phoenix "Ho / Oh," also finished with wood carving, lacquer, and gold leaf, was displayed at the South Gate before the main shrine (exhibited until November 3rd, now concluded). We highly recommend checking these out as well.

Kohei Nawa Solo Exhibition "Oracle"