Hisaki HIRAMATSU
“IROHA KARTA” in NEW YORK
NY Coo Gallery is pleased to present Hisaki HIRAMATSU's first soloexhibition in New York City.
Hiramatsu uses a unique technique called "Itae" to create his art. Itae involves applying paints on a wooden board. Hiramatsu is wellknown for his attempts to push the limits of artistic expression byusing fragments of his memories of the joyful details of his day today life including his love for simple foods such as vegetables,fruits and loaves of bread. He also expresses his need to create by painting tools such as scoops, bolts, hammersand gloves. Essentially, Hiramatsu is interested in remindingviewers of the beauty of all aspects of objects in our daily lifethat we take for granted.
In NY Coo's upcoming exhibition entitled "IROHA KARTA" in NEW YORK, Hiramatsu sends several messages to reinforce his desire to haveviewers stop to appreciate the everyday beauty of the basic elementsof life. For example, Hiramatsu asks us to consider the question:How many material goods does a person really need to live a life of true comfort and happiness? This exhibition offers viewers anopportunity to feel and share the artist's affection for ordinarythings. Ultimately, Hiramatsu's works serve as a silent warning tosociety by informing us that true happiness in life requires focusingon the beauty of the basic aspects of our everyday modern way of life in a technologically overwhelming world.
Artist’s Profile
Born in 1941 in Kobe. Graduated from Tama Art University in 1963. Established his own graphic design studio in 1973 after having worked for Yoshio HAYAKAWA and Studio Uni. Served as an artistic director and/or an illustrator in various projects in addition to his own creative activities.
Major Solo Exhibitions
“Alphabet” at Parco gallery, Tokyo, 1968 / “Asobiwo sentoya umareken”(Born for amusement) at Creation gallery G8, Tokyo, 2004 / “Sabi ten” (Rust exhibition) at Space Prism, Nagoya, 2005.
<Messages from Peers and Friends>
Yoshio HAYAKAWA “Warm and Dynamic”
Hiramatsu’s artworks, utilizing the textured surface of plywood as a canvas (or a “screen” as in movie screen), are not born out of particular purposes or pre-conceived concepts but of an “inevitable” － a creative impulse swelling up inside the artist’s mind. Hiramatsu paints freely without creative restrictions. He paints with pure compulsion. For Hiramatsu, perhaps the entire creative process is a result of arbitrary decisions.
Hiramatsu’s subjects are ordinary objects picked from our daily life. They are brought ever closer to viewers through the sense of warm intimacy that characterizes Hiramatsu’s artistry.
Let’s toast to the unique charm of the art of universality!
Yoshio HAYAKAWA
Born in 1917 in Osaka. Japan’s leading graphic designer during Showa period. In 1960s, Hayakawa, as a graphic designer in high demand, designed numerous corporate posters and book covers, greatly influencing Japanese graphic design community at the time. A recipient of two of Japan’s highest national medals of Honor in 1982 and 1988, Hayakawa’s best known works include a series of paintings entitled “Onna no Kao” (Faces of Women; 1985) among many others.
* * * * *
Nobumitsu OSEKO “As Playful Children Do”
During the 70’s and 80’s, Hisaki HIRAMATSU expanded his creative realm by successfully venturing into the field of popular family/children-themed illustrations. Over the course of time, he experimented with a variety of techniques, from drawings and paper prints to porcelain/copper plate prints and tin repousse. It was as if he was a child eager to learn and willingly absorb everything that he encountered.
In this exhibition, his playful approach to creative activities is well-reflected in a series of paintings that he has produced in the past decade. Using familiar tools and daily articles as primary motifs for his art, Hiramatsu’s paintings － with dynamic compositions and powerful yet simplified visual images － are full of energy that prompts our sense of affection and nostalgia towards familiar daily items. I feel Hiramatsu has successfully expressed the unique sensibilities that embody Japanese people and their thinking.
Nobimitsu OSEKO
Born in 1953 in Tokyo. After graduating from Tama Art College (Major: Graphic Design) in 1976, Oseko was hired by Japan Recruit Center (present Recruit Inc.). Since the inception of G7 gallery (present Creation Gallery G8) in 1985, Oseko has been in charge of its planning and operation. Established Guardian Garden in 1990. With two exhibition spaces, Oseko has since produced over 500 special exhibitions.
* * * * *
Keisuke NAGATOMO “Taste of a Japanese Bistro”
Te impression you get ftom Hiramatsu’s artwork
The most impressive thing about Hiramatsu’s artwork, I think, is the warmth that embraces its viewers. I don’t know exactly how to put it but to me, his artwork has the sense of warmth particular to Kansai (Osaka area) culture. It has the same “relaxed” taste as Kansai cuisine － a bistro at it. Yes, it’s the taste of an old Kansai bistro. Like its master chef who prepares everything from seafood to mountain vegetables with knife work that is sheer magic, Hiramatsu readily serves up paintings that touch viewers’ heartstrings.
Every line in Hiramatsu’s painting has the throbbing pulse of life. Every color is used sensibly and with reason. He is in the realm of True Masterhood from where he tells us, “Hey, relax. Let’s have fun.”
I have known Hiramatsu for over 50 years yet he never ceases to impress me with his keen artistic senses.
Keisuke NAGATOMO
Born in 1939 in Osaka. Graduated from Kuwazawa Design Institute in 1964. Established K2 with S. KURODA in 1969 after having worked for Japan Design Center. Specialized in editorial, publishing, corporate CI designs and event art directions, Hiramatsu is both a well-respected illustrator for novels and an essayist. A professor at Tokyo Plastic Art College, Hiramatsu is also an adviser for Nippon Engineering College’s Graphic Design Department.
* * * * *
Yoshiharu HIGA “Crossing the Pacific, Karta is Coming to New York with Hiramatsu”
From Tensho Karuta (karuta: Japanese for karta), the oldest exiting karta in Japan, Unsui Karuta and Kai Ooi (concentration-like game using pictured clam shells) to Hyakunin Isshu and Hanafuda, there are many variations of kartas in Japan. Some kartas such as Kamigata Karuta and Edo Karuta, and their influences are closely tied to the moral, educational and cultural trends of Japan’s two major regions － Edo (Tokyo) and Kamigata (Osaka).
Originally imported from Portugal, karuta (derived from Portuguse word “karta”) grabbed creative interests of Japanese artists and poets. Adorned with elaborate illustrations and stylish poems, the popularity of karuta was firmly established Japan.
With artistic playfulness of Hiroshige and Hokusai, contemporary Western art and American pop art, Hiramatsu, through Iroha Karta Exhibition, brings Japan’s karuta culture to New York for the first time.
Yoshiharu HIGA
Printer/photographer. Born in 1938 in Nago, Okinawa. Moved to the U.S.A.in 1964. Received Master’s Degree from Columbia University. Served as a professor at the University of South Hampton. Professor Emeritus, University of Long Island (since 2000).
* * * * *
Seitaro KURODA “Dreaming in the Wilting World”
Hello Hiramatsu-san,
We’ve known each other for the longest time. We’ve eaten together, got drunk together and talked endlessly about our dreams. And after all these years, we are somehow still alive! Now with most of us having forgotten to dream in this wilting world, I am excited to hear that you are not done dreaming just yet!
Seitaro KURODA
Born in Osaka in 1939. A recipient of many poster/book illustration awards, Kuroda is also known for his murals and live painting performances. Currently living in New York City, he organizes art therapy workshops for children as well as for hospital patients, nurses and doctors. A winner of a bronze award at Warsaw Biennale for his poster design.
--------------------- October News ---------------------
The opening reception for HIsaki Hiramatsu Solo Exhibiton“IROHA KARTA” in NEW YORK on Friday, October 3rd.
Please visit our gallery and experience it yourself. The exhibition runs through October 18th.
Top: Artworks / Mr. Hiramatsu / Artworks
Bottom: With Mr. Seitaro Kuroda / Mr.& Mrs. Hiramatsu / Artworks
**************************************************************
I love to paint.
For me, a painting is a song in praise of life.
Ordinary every day objects, some new and some old or even broken
are all subjects of my paintings.
Each object, new or old, whole or broken, are like beautiful fruits to me,
as each was born new to live their own life.
These objects of everyday life are reflections of our past and future life.
In life, there is rust or aging that comes with the passage of time.
For me, a rusting object represents a cherished memory of time's passing.
An object, however, lives on forever.
In life, objects become worn as they are used, like a wall scratched by a cat.
I feel like the touch of everyday life is within each object.
In life, there are also many colors that shine.
Colors are the outer skin of an object, like clothes.
I adore colors with great passion.
The Japanese people have used various mediums to interpret life.
I choose to paint on wood, as wood, is spiritually significant for the Japanese people.
I love to paint on wood in a "B-sized format."*
This format is the traditional format for artists with a graphic design background,
like the sea is the mother of all human beings.
* "B-sized format" is a term meaning "poster size" in Japan.
Hisaki HIRAMATSU
Translation and Edited by: Richard Baallerini
|
