KOSAKU KANECHIKA is pleased to present the exhibition “GROUP SHOW: 4 ARTISTS” from March 6th to April 3rd, 2021.
The show presents work by Yutaka Aoki, Junko Oki, Ataru Sato, and Chikashi Suzuki.

Yutaka Aoki uses acrylic paint to create abstract works with substantial impasto to study light and its organic, three-dimensional qualities. Aoki observes light as a multi-faceted element that grants information on the world and is also an indicator of the passage of time. His paintings oscillate between two- and three-dimensionality, and respond not only to materials and production processes, but also to specific elements in their environment, including the relationship with the audience’s gaze, the passage of time, and the conditions of the exhibition space. Light imbues his work with an intrinsic richness, providing a visual experience that awakens the natural human senses desensitized by our increasingly digital lives.

Junko Oki engraves stories of life onto textiles, with each stitch placed meticulously by hand. Without the guide of an underdrawing, she creates unique motifs and patterns by freehand stitching and by rejecting the structured tradition of embroidery. Although her works display seemingly rudimentary techniques, the artist’s instinctive approach awakens a visceral reaction in viewers. Through her unique embroidery and careful attention, Junko Oki breathes new life into aged textiles, frames, and other objects. These objects, with years of stories already embedded into them, are revived by Oki’s hand through a series of attentive stitches. They include everything that came into being, and chronologies that once existed but are now gone. At the core of Oki’s creative process is a discovery of new horizons through layered impressions of time.

Ataru Sato attempts to understand himself, humanity, and the world around him through the act of drawing or painting. Expressing themes such as obsession, fear, and romance through fine – perhaps excessively fine – pencil lines and distinctive brushwork, Sato emphasizes that his works are created for himself. He sees art as being created by people who are alive to express their lived experiences and has no aspiration to create art for art’s sake, art that is novel, or art that seeks to be meaningful. Sato’s images continually propagate, driven by his need to comprehend the indiscernible aspects of life.Born from a core of personal questions, his work is characterized by a powerful energy that penetrates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.

Chikashi Suzuki has presented his work in domestic and international magazines, and has been at the forefront of editorial and fashion photography since the 1990s as one of Japan’s leading photographers. A variety of subjects can be found in his portfolio, ranging from the alluring city of Tokyo to flowers, celebrities, and emerging models. Intuitively capturing the candid essence of his subjects, the beauty and wonder of each frame appears to preserve an intimate memory, frozen in time. In contrast to the immediacy of the digital camera, Suzuki explores the palpable richness that is only attainable through film photography.

This group show presents works by four of the gallery’s artists, including an embroidered work by Junko Oki that is being exhibited in Tokyo for the very first time. We are also delighted to introduce Ataru Sato’s newest paintings along with a selection of recent works by Yutaka Aoki and Chikashi Suzuki, who both have solo exhibitions scheduled later this year. At this time, we cordially invite you to attend “4 ARTISTS” at KOSAKU KANECHIKA.