EVENT DESCRIPTION
Tang Contemporary Art is honoured to announce the solo exhibition of Japanese contemporary artist Ryunosuke Okazaki will be opening on January 11, 2025, at Wong Chuk Hang space in Hong Kong. Ryunosuke Okazaki’s works are not merely a re-encoding of traditional culture; they represent a dialogue between the past and the present, cultural memory and material innovation. The surface texture of his practice reflects the complex, spiral patterns of Jomon ceramics, while beneath this texture lies a shared cultural gene imprinted in the hearts of all who exist under the influence of East Asian societies and civilizations.
The theme of this exhibition, “Oracle,” is derived from ancient religions and myths, where deities convey revelations to humanity in various forms. In Japanese culture, oracles have deep roots. The “Nihon Shoki” and “Kojiki” document numerous stories of deities delivering oracles to humans, revealing divine intentions that directly influenced political, social, and cultural developments. For example, the myth of Amaterasu opening the Amano-Iwato symbolizes the revival of light and enlightenment. In Okazaki’s artistic philosophy, these oracles are not merely historical symbols but are living entities imbued with contemporary spiritual significance. Existentialists like Heidegger and Sartre argue that human existence is an impermanent and meaningless process; however, through personal choices and actions, meaning can be created. In Okazaki’s works, “oracle” ceases to symbolize absolute truth; instead, it becomes an unsolved puzzle filled with potentiality. He reflects on the philosophical propositions behind oracles through artistic language, exploring how humanity understands and responds to these revelations in the modern world.
ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER
Ryunosuke Okazaki completed his Master’s degree in Design at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts, in 2021. As a rising young artist, he was selected as a finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2022 and was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List in 2023. In the spring of 2024, at just 28 years old, Ryunosuke 's work will be acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and featured in the exhibition "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," further cementing his reputation as an internationally acclaimed artist.Growing up along the serene coastal region of Hiroshima, Ryunosuke drew inspiration from the rich natural landscapes and history of his hometown. He has deeply explored the theme of "What is peace?" in his works. For him, the concept of "prayer" is a vital expression of the desire for peace. He believes that Japan's ancient tradition of offering prayers to nature has played a crucial role in deeply connecting humanity with the natural world.
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