Kato Ai, Kusattemo Lolicon - Bubble Bath - (2016), acrylic on canvas, 116.7 x 72.7 cm © Kato Ai, courtesy of Mizuma Gallery

Eyes & Curiosity—Flowers in the Field is a group exhibition by four Japanese artists selected by Executive Director, Mizuma Sueo. Showing for the first time at Mizuma Gallery, Singapore, Kato Ai (Ai☆Madonna), Kimura Ryoko, Kobayashi Satoshi, and Mizuno Rina will present artworks that embody new interpretations of traditional techniques and explore the relevance of old ideals in today’s society.

Known for solely painting girls in her works, Kato Ai (Ai☆Madonna) visualises feminine beauty through Bishojo motifs of female figures. Her interest stems from her belief that girls are the most beautiful subjects to illustrate. Kato Ai’s drawings and paintings depict the idea of “untouchable” beauty that exists only in the world of anime or manga—devoid of real physical contact.

Kimura Ryoko, The Sea of the Enchanted City – Paradise of Dragon Palace (2016), six-panel folding screen. Japanese pigments, gold leaves on paper, 340 × 176 cm
© Kimura Ryoko, courtesy of Mizuma Gallery

Through the use of Nihonga or neo-traditional Japanese painting style, Kimura Ryoko’s works focus on her quintessential motif of ikemen (good-looking men). By reversing the concept of Bijin-ga (the representation of beautiful women in Japanese art), Kimura Ryoko portrays ikemen in the contemporary Eastern world from a woman’s perspective.

Having studied woodblock printing when he was twelve years old, Kobayashi Satoshi developed a strong interest in this artmaking technique. To him, drawing, carving, and scratching on wood are primitive ways that allow him to freely express his ideas and imaginations. In this exhibition, Kobayashi Satoshi showcases his new work using disjointed pieces of wooden boards attempting to manifest the feelings of discord and modesty. Each piece of boards contains wooden carvings of a certain aspect of nature. When the pieces are connected, each individual imagery comes together in interaction, merging into one singular artwork representing the chaos and beauty of nature and man.

Mizuno Rina, Peach Patterned Curtain (2019), oil on canvas, 53 × 53 cm
© Mizuno Rina, courtesy of Mizuma Gallery

Each of Mizuno Rina’s work consists of multiple layers on a flat surface that encapsulates a sense of threedimensionality. Upon closer look, we are able to observe the textural richness of the oil painting. The intricate details in her works are inspired by Turkish miniature paintings, while her brushstrokes are influenced by the ink paintings of Jakuchu Ito (Japan, 1719 – 1800). Mizuno Rina’s attention to texture and colours is reflected in her use of unprimed hemp canvas and her exploration of various shades and tones produced by mixing different colours of oil paints.

Artists-led Exhibition Walk-through: Saturday, 16 March 2019, 5pm – 6pm

Live Painting Performance by Kato Ai (Ai☆Madonna): Saturday, 16 March 2019, 6pm – 9pm

Opening Reception: Saturday, 16 March 2019, 6pm – 9pm

Venue: Mizuma Gallery, 22 Lock Road #01-34, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108939

Gallery Hours: Tue – Sat: 11 am – 7 pm
Sun: 11 am – 6 pm
Closed on Mon and Public Holidays

When: 16 Mar - 21 Apr 2019,

By: Mizuma Gallery