Fantasia

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Whitestone Gallery is delighted to present a group exhibition featuring Japanese artists Go Yayanagi (b. 1933), Nobuko Watabiki (b. 1958) and Miyako Terakura (b.1994). The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of artworks that highlight the unique talents and artistic expressions of fantasies of these three accomplished artists.

Deeply influenced by his sojourn in South America and Africa in the 1950s, Go Yayanagi’s artistic pursuit is rooted from his daily interaction and studies of nature and animals. His works are characterised by fanciful figures, refined black lines and vibrant colors. Yayanagi coined the term ‘Pop-Uki’, which combines ‘Pop Art’ and ‘Ukiyo-e’ to describe his unique style of paintings and prints. The artist views Ukiyo-e as a traditional form of Japanese Pop Art and aims to incorporate contemporary pop culture and personal experiences into this traditional medium, employing a fresh aesthetic approach.

Nobuko Watabiki painted in a uniquely curious style: ominous and joyful at the same time. The colorful, quirky characters may be her self-portrait, belying the deep introspection and path of self-discovery. The artist explored photo collage works at the beginning of her artist path and gradually established her distinctive style that utilizes Washi (Japanese paper) and oil pastel. By rubbing layers of oil pastel against Japanese paper, Watabiki creates a distinctive, fibrous and pilled texture that oozes softness and a sense of warmth. The intriguing motif, sense of void from the eyes of the characters and the prosaic title leave unforgettable resonance to audiences.

Miyako Terakura combines slip-casting and hand-molding techniques to create ceramic sculptures portraying infants and children with delicate expressions. She gives life and uniqueness to each of her creations by adding a rosy glow or a glaze of enamel to cheeks, noses, and lips. The artist puts a particularly large amount of emotion into painting their eyes, as if this effort imbues each figure with a soul. It is her wish that as the sculptures are fired and the porcelain hardens, they become vessels that draw in the prayers of people.

Despite their individual styles and cultural backgrounds, one thing that these artists have in common is their embracement of boundaryless imagination. Through their innovative works, they invite viewers to delve into their whimsical narrative and engage with the world in an exceptional way.