Yukimasa Ida: Day Zero

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Arthur De Villepin is thrilled to present DAY ZERo the groundbreaking first solo exhibition at Villepin Gallery and the inaugural event in Hong Kong.

DAY ZERo challenges us to embrace change while navigating an ever-evolving future and urges us to rethink our interconnectedness across Time and Space. In this fast-paced world, Yukimasa Ida’s transformative work serves as a catalyst and provides new perspectives that help us navigate the complexities of tomorrow. Igniting hope and purpose, this exhibition compels us to become active participants in shaping our collective destiny, encouraging us to embrace a vision of harmony that transcends time.

PART I : IN SPACE

In the year 30,067 — Planet Earth has traversed an era where identity and existence have been reshaped by technological advancements and societal progress. The protagonist of this spectacle, Yukimasa Ida, has emerged from the distorted landscape of Time into the vastness of Space, preserving cherished memorabilia and elements for a rebirth. In connection with iconic figures of the 20th century, sculptures that examine the enduring legacies of influential individuals such as Gandhi and the Pope have been meticulously preserved. Simultaneously, Ida reflects on the advanced technological control over humanity, which has led to a loss of identity. His exploration of individualism prompts contemplation of the era in which humans once lived. From this point, we shall ascend to the next level, first navigating a labyrinth of Time to find our path.

PART II : THE ARK

Enter the Ark — the most sacred chamber within this spaceship. Much like the tale of Noah’s Ark, it safeguards Ida’s belief in Earth’s ecosystem and the core elements that nurture the growth of our once-vibrant planet. Surrounded by oceans and mountains, his early landscapes are deeply connected to the power of Nature, reflecting on the universal cycles of life and the profound relationship between the ephemeral and the eternal. By collecting minerals from the soil over time, Ida compiles a heavy case of memorabilia, preserving the scenery he cherishes from his experiences in nature while protecting the elements of Earth.

PART III : DAY ZER0

As we enter this new world, suspended in a gravity-less expanse among the stars, we find ourselves at Day Zero—a moment of rebirth. Here, the timeless connection between humanity and the cosmos is reignited. Yukimasa Ida emerges as a guiding force, uniting us through his art in a realm where the moon and sky remain steadfast, bridging distances and generations. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Courbet’s “Atelier du peintre,” Ida intertwines tradition with contemporary vision, leading us through an exploration of our shared existence. In this levitating space, we return to the sacred, discovering a profound harmony between the cosmic and the human experience, urging us to embrace our collective journey into the future.

The gallery is pleased to represent Yukimasa Ida in Asia, alongside his global representation, Mariane Ibrahim.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Born and raised in the picturesque seaside town of Tottori in southwest Japan, this Millennial painter is renowned for embodying the Zen-influenced Japanese philosophy of “Ichi-go ichi-e,” which has its roots in the country’s intricate tea ceremony. Translated as “a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” this four- character idiom encapsulates the transience of life and underscores the importance of cherishing the unique nature of fleeting moments, as they never recur.

Ida’s distinctive style is deeply influenced by the natural beauty of his hometown, characterized by its oceans, mountains, and rivers. His artistic perspective was further enriched by a transformative journey to the Indian subcontinent, as well as by the impact of losing close friends and family members. He has trained himself to draw swiftly, simultaneously disassociating from and reinterpreting traditional painting techniques.

By applying paste to the canvas, Ida captures the essence of the ephemeral. In this process, he deliberately leaves the subject matter, background, and overall composition in a state of limbo between completion and incompletion. He crystallizes moments by distorting forms and figures, reflecting the fluidity of memory, which lacks a fixed shape. With rich impasto and vibrant, bursts of color, this emerging artist’s paintings serve as vivid snapshots in time.