Summer Smash
Featured artists
Keita Sagaki Kan-Zan-Loc Toshio Iezumi Yoichiro Nishimura
Keita Sagaki will demonstrate his unique transformations of works by pop art legend Roy Lichtenstein. Lichtenstein was an American pop artist renowned for his bold, graphic style and use of comic book imagery. His works, characterized by vibrant Ben-Day dots, striking colors, and a distinctive comic strip aesthetic, challenged traditional notions of art. Lichtenstein's influence endures, shaping the practices of contemporary artists like Keita Sagaki.
"MMNT - MR - Blue Gun”
Medium: Neo-Silkscreen
Edition of 20
Dimension: 46 x 33.2 cm
The iconic “Great Wave” 🌊utilized two distinct materials for its gold border. One was “Kin-Dei,” a special gold powder paint crafted from finely ground pure or nearly pure gold, mixed into a solution of water and adhesive. The other was acrylic-gold-color,” selected for specific sections of the piece. “Kin-Dei” has a rich heritage, admired and valued for its high quality and has adorned important fine art, object d’art, and decors throughout Japan for over 1,300 years, reflecting the nation’s long-standing appreciation for fine craftsmanship.
Interestingly, Kan-Zan-Loc initially crafted his own INDIGO BLUE without knowing that it mirrored HOKUSAI BLUE. Upon discovering this connection, Kan-Zan-Loc was inspired to delve deeper into the legacy of Hokusai, finding new inspiration to refine and personalize his own unique blue pigment.
Characterized by its rich, deep indigo tone, Hokusai Blue not only signifies a harmonious connection with nature but also reflects the artist's profound understanding of color symbolism within traditional Japanese art. The enduring allure of Hokusai Blue lies in its ability to evoke a sense of both tranquility and dynamic energy, capturing the ever-changing moods of the natural world.
Medium: Ganryo, Indigo blue, Shellfish Powder, Pearl Powder, Kin-Dei, Gold Acrylic, Sumi Ink on Fabriano Paper | Dimension: 91 x 60 cm
Whispering Blue
In the creation of this artwork, I initiated the process with the gentle etching of delicate lines to form the foundational backdrop. Eschewing the conventional brush, I instead employed my own fingers and palms as conduits for the color, meticulously casting and layering the cerulean tones over the etchings. This laborious method was executed over and over, culminating in pronounced lines that seem to have been inscribed with the finesse of a calligrapher’s touch.
Contrary to the bold declaration often associated with lines, the approach I adopted imbues the piece’s thematic lines with a sense of restraint, as though they have metamorphosed into a hushed confidence. This transformation is what gave rise to the piece’s name, “Whispering Blue.”
The rich blue shade showcased in this piece traces its origins to the revered Lapis Lazuli gemstone.
Medium: Lapis-Lazuli, Malachite, Mica, Shellfish Powder, Resin on Arches Paper Dimension: 76.5 x 50.4 cm
In 2022, the organizer of Art Taipei in Taiwan recognized Kan-Zan-Loc and his new collection of works in the Art Salon: "A Glimpse of Creation - The Flow of Consciousness," acknowledging him as one of the exceptional artist who promotes his heritage through his art.
Toshio Iezumi presents vertical sculptures standing with a powerful and delicate presence, focusing on the waves, alternating convex and concave forms to give the sculptures an effect of movement. By placing a semi-transparent mirror inside the artwork, Iezumi further enhances the reflections and light diffusion.
"Move Series - M170803-3“
Medium: Heat Reflective Glass, Ultraviolet Adhesive
Handmade, Carved, Polished
Dimension: 60 x 10 x 10 cm
"I adore this green transparent internal space that comes into the piece. Curving makes it possible to alter the transparency of the sheet glass. My works in this site show the variations of transparency depending on the types of glass, forms and positions."
In my extensive exploration of the "Life" series, which commenced in the early 1980s, I have engaged in years of experimentation, focusing on capturing the essence of 'Ikebana,' the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The central theme I strive to convey is epitomized by one of the two translations of the word "flower" in Japanese Kanji characters (華), representing elegance. These flowers are meticulously photographed against a dark setting, bathed in the soft glow of natural light, using the sophisticated Hasselblad camera. Each image tells a profound story where my principles echoes, articulating the delicate equilibrium between life and death, light and shadow, echoing the timeless wabi-sabi philosophy of embracing both beauty and imperfection.
"Life No. 7"
Medium: Epson Print on Semi Glossy Photo Paper Mounted on Aluminum Board
Dimension: 42 x 59.4 cm
