Mixed Media Works by Tomoko Taniguchi & Takehiro Yoshimitsu
Curated by Yuka Nakamura
May 11 - July 6, 2012
Opening
Reception: Meet the Artist, Tomoko Taniguchi &
Takehiro Yoshimitsu from Japan, May 11 (Fri), 3pm
- 6pm
Curator Yuka Nakamura says that KI (氣in
Chinese) - a concept derived from ancient times in
Japan - accrues when we breathe. Breathing involves
inhaling and exhaling; the two acts are inseparable
and the intervals between them generate different
kinds of rhythms. It is the rhythm of life that we
feel ourselves and creates the impression that we
convey to others. BREATHING, featuring mixed
media works by artists, TOMOKO TANIGUCHI and
TAKEHIRO YOSHIMITSU was exhibited at our Hong Kong
gallery in 2010 and Art Beatus is pleased to present
the works again in our Vancouver location from May
11 to July 6, 2012.
Born
during World War II in what is now known as North
Korea, TOMOKO TANIGUCHI moved to Hiroshima
immediately following the end of the war where she
spent her childhood amidst the devastation of the
A-bomb. The artist believes that living with a
sense of indescribable danger and uncertainty
awakened her desire to create. In her creative
process, the reality of the moment, of being alive
and present, emerges from her psyche and transforms
into shapes, colours, and inspirations.
Taniguchi feels that our survival depends on
production which inevitably brings about
destruction. Her mission is to leave behind
the beauty of life in her art.
TAKEHIRO
YOSHIMITSU was born more than 30 years after the war
and like many young people in contemporary Japan,
faces the emptiness and uneasiness that comes with
living in a place affected by war at a time of
peace. With no targets to attack, his focus is
on wars that exist elsewhere, pouring the naïveté
within him into his art. The “digging out” style in
which he applies then removes paint from his canvas
is his method of confronting the saturated condition
he senses within contemporary society, of coming
face-to-face with the wars Japan experienced in the
past, and the wars that have been ongoing for years
in the world today. Creating and presenting his art
is Yoshimitsu’s way of communicating with others and
is part of the process of finding meaning for his
existence.
While there is a generational difference between the artists, there is also a commonality in how war has spurred the development of their individual creative styles. While the rhythm of breathing between two persons defines their special relationship, the artists' different perspectives also create a tension. The rhythm that arises from the tension becomes the breath from both artists, and in turn, that rhythm or ki, will hopefully reach the hearts of audiences to the exhibit. BREATHING will open with a public reception on Friday, May 11 from 3pm to 6pm and both TANIGUCHI and YOSHIMITSU, from Japan, will be attending the event. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit our website, www.artbeatus.com or call the gallery in Vancouver, BC at 604.688.2633.
Art Beatus, with a location in Vancouver, Canada and two locations in Hong Kong, showcases international art with a focus on contemporary Chinese art. Art Beatus (Vancouver) is located in the Nelson Square Office Tower at 108 – 808 Nelson Street in Vancouver, BC.
Art Beatus (Vancouver)
Consultancy Ltd. is open Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm
and is closed on weekends and holidays.
Underground and street parking is available.
Free admission.
