- This event has passed.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
AISHONANZUKA is pleased to present the solo exhibition “Circle of Life” showcasing works by Swedish artist Joakim Ojanen on view from 16 September to 14 October, 2023.
“Circle of Life” narrates the ambiguity as a visual language of creativity, relationships between life and the universe. Circle is one of the oldest symbols since ancient times. It is the balance between Yin and Yang; it is a perfect Full Moon; it is the divine symbol in Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci; the universe in Alchemy. The circle is endless, and hence infinity, as its existence revolves forever.
The circle is believed to be intimately connected to the thoughts and emotions of its creator. Joakim’s large-scale ceramic works Circle of Life represents the artist’s unlimited creativity and curiosity for the meaning of life. This circle composed by ceramic works of human, animals, and plants invites the audience to peer through the soul of the artist, to retrospect our relationships with others, and the nature.
ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER
Born in 18985 in Västerås, Sweden. Currently lives and works in Stockholm..Ojanen's journey into the arts began with graffiti, which led him to create animations, short films and music videos. He also pursued drawing, publishing fanzines and organizing art shows.
These endeavours led to his BA for Illustration and Graphic Design in 2012 from Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design, as well as his MFA in 2014 thereafter. Seeking a new creative outlet apart from illustrations, Ojanen signed up for a ceramics open studio session outside of school. It was during these sessions that he started to make sculptures from his drawings. Since then, he has exhibited extensively in Stockholm, Cologne, Paris, Edinburgh, Los Angeles and New York.
Ojanen's works feature a variety of unique characters. Many of the motifs are based on his home country where Ojanen grew up in. At first glance, the artist's deepest emotions and sensations are communicated through the seemingly innocent expressions; raw textures and expressiveness often seen in primitivist sculptures and paintings, and the unique color palette in which all the above are puttogether.
In recent years, his expression has extended to materials such as bronze, glass as well as ceramics. All his works have been united into a high level of expression that emphasizes the affinity between materials. Regardless of the material, Ojanen's advanced craft and creativity is well displayed.
