Metallic Sparks

About

This sparkling winter show highlights the work of Onishi Gallery’s represented artists, Japanese talents across art media and time periods Among the exhibiting artists are Shun Sudo, Yusuke Ochiai, Nagai Megumi, and NAOYA, each of whom incorporates metallic sparks into the concept as well as into the material of their pieces. Shun Sudo creates gold butterfly paintings using gold ink, a color that he associates with energy, and his many gold butterflies, in turn, create a kaleidoscope of positive energy. Yusuke Ochiai paints images of a fantastical figure name POI who spreads sparks of love throughout the world. Nagai Megumi masters the art of makie, a traditional Japanese lacquer painting technique that requires the sprinkling of gold and silver powder to decorate wood. And NAOYA sculpts small figurines who live in POLYKANTEN, an imaginary universe, blanketed by shining stars.

In addition to these innovative artists, the exhibition showcases the metalwork art of Osumi Yukie, currently the only female Japanese “Living National Treasure,” among other groundbreaking metal artists working in silver, gold, and more. Further, on display will be cutting-edge examples of jewelry artwork, a creative genre of wearable metalwork. Japanese ceramic artist Tomoko Konno and French artist Tzuri Gueta collaborate to create a silicon necklace chain with a colored porcelain pendant that resembles an exotic plant or sea creature. Iconic silversmith Michael Izrael Galmer designs a silver purse that pushes the boundaries of form and function. Whether crafted for profound, playful, or practical purposes, the artworks in this exhibition sparkle with creativity. Each piece illustrates how strong yet elusive fine metals can be, enduring and beautiful, special and rare.