Natsu, Aurora - the goddess of sparkle (detail), 2007, plastic beads, brass wire, sequins
The Onishi Gallery is pleased to present Ephemeral, an exhibition of paintings, sculptures, and photographs by seven Japanese artists. Ephemeral is the gallery’s contribution to this year’s Asian Contemporary Art Week, and it is the inaugural exhibition in the gallery’s newly remodeled space in Chelsea. Co-curating Ephemeral are Mako Wakasa and Nana Onishi.
Ephemeral opens on March 12 and will continue to April 12. The opening reception will take place at the gallery on Thursday, March 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ephemeral’s co-curators have selected works that evoke the Japanese aesthetic of temporality. The exhibition’s early-spring timing coincides with the season of cherry blossom viewing—traditionally an occasion for reflecting on the mutability of life while watching the falling of the pale pink petals. Ephemeral explores the implications of impermanence for life and for art.
Ephemeral comprises works by Megumi Nagai, Natsu, Akira Ikezoe, Tomoe Murakami, Tetsuomi Sukeda, Ari Tabei, and Aruha Yamaoka. Megumi Nagai’s meticulously painted figures on wood summon the viewer into a dream world of fantastic creatures and happenings. Natsu concocts stunning works in beads.
Akira Ikezoe offers oil paintings of flowers, insects, butterflies, and dragons that are suggestive of kimono patterns. Tomoe Murakami captures starry nightcapes in delicately rendered photographs that are studies in subtle chromatic variation. Performance artist Ari Tabei appears in a long dress that she created like a silkworm in a cocoon by rolling and tying together numerous white wrapping papers. Tetsuomi Sukeda’s photographs of Japanese suburbia feature tantalizing glimpses of a teenage girl. Aruha Yamaoka presents photographic close-ups of portions of her face, hands, and hair in dusky tones.
Asian Contemporary Art Week connects leading New York City galleries and museums in a citywide array of exhibitions, receptions, lectures, and performances. The week focuses on the broad spectrum of works produced by Asian contemporary artists in their home nations and abroad. Organizing the weeklong program of events is the Asian Contemporary Art Consortium, a grouping of prominent museums, galleries, and collectors.
For more information, please visit the gallery’s website at www.onishigallery.com or contact Nana Onishi at info@onishigallery.com or at 212.695.8035.
