Transforming traditions: a new exhibition in London showcases the mind-blowing skill of four Japanese artists
![A host of contemporary Japanese artists will showcase their work as part of an exhibition called Surface Tension at London’s White Rainbow Gallery](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZiL8LPNUfevntZv7JNc3rE-415-80.jpg)
Self-taught sculptor Masaya Hashimoto lives and works in a Buddhist temple, where he makes delicate plant sculptures out of deer bones and antlers. These ethereal, all-white works capture the paper thin leaves of life-size stems gently swaying in the breeze while single blooms are frozen in time just as their petals are beginning to unfold.
From 25 September, Hashimoto's astonishingly-detailed sculptures will be on show alongside the works of a host of other contemporary Japanese artists as part of a show called Surface Tension at London's White Rainbow Gallery in Fitzrovia.
Focusing on the work of four contemporary artists who use traditional techniques such as ink painting, woodcuts and carving, the show explores the marriage of traditional art forms with contemporary themes.
Hidenori Yamaguchi, who studied rinsho (the art of creating free-hand copies of established masterpieces) in China, will be showcasing a selection of his meticulous ink wash paintings. Painted using a very fine brush on silk and paper, the paintings are so detailed that at first glance they look like photographs.
Meanwhile, Kumi Machida draws upon her classical training in traditional Japanese Nihonga to create depictions of biomorphic humans awakening from surreal dream-like states and Sachiko Kazama uses the traditional art of woodblock printing to create art works that satirise contemporary society.
Focusing on contemporary artists who use traditional techniques to create their work, the exhibition seeks to expose contemporary artists who are well-known in Japan to a wider European and UK audience. Pictured: Sachiko Kazama, 9.11 memorial Pavilion, from the HEISESI EXPO 2010, 2010
Self-taught sculptor Masaya Hashimoto makes delicate plant sculptures out of deer bones and antlers. Left: Masaya Hashimoto, Lilium Ormosanum, 2014; Right: Phyllostachys heterocycla f.pubescens, Masaya Hashimoto, 2014.
Hidenori Yamaguchi studied rinsho (the art of creating free-hand copies of established masterpieces) in China. Using a very fine brush on silk and paper, Yamaguchi creates meticulous ink wash paintings that look like photographs. Pictured: Promise, Hidenori Yamaguchi, 2015.
Yamaguchi uses this ancient and highly-skilled technique to depict contemporary scenery, including everyday objects that resonate with his personal memories. Pictured: Gentle Milestone, Hidenori Yamaguchi, 2015.
Sachiko Kazama uses the traditional art of woodblock printing to create art works that satirise contemporary society. Pictured: Sachiko Kazama, Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy Pavilion, from the HEISESI EXPO 2010, 2010.
Kazama remains true to the origins of her medium by using her picture planes to narrate a story. Pictured: Sachiko Kazama, Statue of Patriot, from the HEISESI EXPO 2010.
Pictured: Sachiko Kazama, Heisesi Expo Series, 2010 – on going.
Meanwhile, Kumi Machida draws upon her classical training in traditional Japanese Nihonga to create depictions of biomorphic humans awakening from surreal dream-like states. Pictured: Kumi Machida, Three Persons, 2003.
INFORMATION
Surface Tension is on show at White Rainbow Gallery from 25 September - 7 November, 2015
ADDRESS
White Rainbow Gallery
47 Mortimer Street
London W1W 8HJ
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
IM Pei's Everson Museum of Art gets a modern makeover
The East Wing of the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, NY has been given a contemporary refresh by emerging Los Angeles studio MILLIØNS
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Surrender to these six swim-perfect outdoor hotel pools
Discover the best outdoor hotel pools, from Amankila’s aquatic triptych by Ed Tuttle to Nicolas Party’s swimmable artwork at Le Sirenuse
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
We remember Kenneth Grange, the British industrial designer, who has died aged 95
Kenneth Grange was a colossus of post-war design. With a career spanning six decades, his mission for improvement touched everything from trains to fountain pens, taxis to toothbrushes
By Hugo Macdonald Published
-
Craft x Tech elevates Japanese craftsmanship with progressive technology
The inaugural edition of Craft x Tech was presented in Tokyo this week, before making its first international stop at Design Miami Basel (11-16 June 2024)
By Danielle Demetriou Last updated
-
Ikea meets Japan in this new pattern-filled collection
New Ikea Sötrönn collection by Japanese artist Hiroko Takahashi brings Japan and Scandinavia together in a pattern-filled, joyful range for the home
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Junya Ishigami designs at Maniera Gallery are as ethereal as his architecture
Junya Ishigami presents new furniture at Maniera Gallery in Belgium (until 31 August 2024), following the series' launch during Milan Design Week
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Newly-opened Audo in Tokyo brings Copenhagen aesthetic to Japan
Denmark meets Japan: Audo Tokyo opens with a serene series of scenescapes that offers a sensory immersion in the brand's aesthetics
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
In the aftermath of Japan’s Noto earthquake, what’s next for Ishikawa crafts?
Craftspeople from the Ishikawa craft district tell Wallpaper* how the 2024 Noto earthquake affected their community, and what lies ahead
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Best Body Slammers: Japanese female wrestling meets design
The Sukeban female wrestling league made its Miami debut in December, with a championship belt by Marc Newson, hats by Stephen Jones, creative direction by Olympia Le Tan – and a win in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2024
By Maria Sobrino Last updated
-
Shiro Kuramata’s multilayered cosmos on view in Tokyo
‘The Work of Shiro Kuramata: A Microcosmos of Memory’ is on view at Setagaya Art Museum until 28 January 2024
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Japanese craft meets technology at Miyota Design Weekend
The inaugural Miyota Design Weekend took place in the small community around Mt. Asama in Nagano, showcasing established and emerging creatives from Japan
By Jens H Jensen Published