We have a wonderful new writer Liam Anderson. Enjoy his first post.
Opening this Friday, 25th of September at Backwoods Gallery (25 Easey Street, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia) is the new solo show by the Japanese artist/designer Shun Kawakami. I had the chance to see his work before it opens.The show reflects the Japanese tradition of Yohaku, or the love of empty space.
The work is broken down into two cycles.They form a panorama when you view them collectively. This creates a barren landscape that is cold and hostile while retaining a deadly sense of serenity and beauty. The imaged landscapes were constructed from photographs originating from a rare snow shower that deposited 20cm of snow in Tokyo in 2012; it normally does not snow in Tokyo. Kawakami then stitched the individual trees to form these snowscapes. The paper and the wall scrolls were created in collaboration with Living National Treasure recipients who are Masters in their respective crafts.
I recommend this show to all those who like photography or appreciate excellent craftsmanship on hand made traditional Japanese paper.
Shun kawakami, Snow Landscapes:Tokyo 1, Photograph on Washi paper with Translucent Sumi Calligraphy by Gen Miyamura 55 x 79cm
You can see the clear Sumi ink brushed over the works in this photograph. It gives the work a sense of motion that may reflect the wind rustling the trees.
(Detail) Shun kawakami, Snow Landscapes:Tokyo 3, Photograph on Washi paper with Translucent Sumi Calligraphy by Gen Miyamura 55 x 79cm
(Detail) Shun kawakami, Snow Landscapes:TokyoMoats 3, Photograph on Washi paper with Translucent Sumi Calligraphy by Gen Miyamura 55 x 79cm
(Detail) Shun kawakami, Snow Landscapes:Tokyo 4, Photograph on Washi paper with Translucent Sumi Calligraphy by Gen Miyamura 55 x 79cm
The small works shimmer with the the black floating in the gold-leaf background.
Shun kawakami, Snow Landscapes:Gold Tokyo 1, Photograph on Hand Crafted Japanese Gold Leaf 27 x 38.5cm
Shun kawakami, Snow Landscapes:Gold Tokyo Moat 2, Photograph on Hand Crafted Japanese Gold Leaf 27 x 38.5cm
Shun kawakami, Snow Landscapes:Gold Tokyo 1, Photograph on Hand Crafted Japanese Gold Leaf 27 x 38.5cm