Japanese art like food is rather unique as it blends two fundamental elements of Japanese culture: philosophy and craftsmanship. On a level probably no other country had ever reached. In the past 30 years we have seen the emergence of a new generation of painters, sculptors, designers, architects, photographers etc that brought our emotions to places we are not always used to. The list presented here is a sample of some of the most exciting artists I have come across. From the edge of the Manga world to the refinement of the Zen or the Ma philosophy all of them are either growing stars of established artists that need no introduction. Thank you my friend, art enthusiast, collector and Japan lover Vincent Larnicol for collaborating on these little January series. Sharing PART 1 today.
RIYOJI IKEDA is a sound and light artist among the most avantgarde of his generation. Often referred as the inventor of The Matrix concept… spectacular yet meditative.
CHIARU SHIOTA, one of the recent Venice Biennale artists is recognised for her wool thread web huge installations… poetic as Japanese artists can only be. Physically diving in her works that can actually take a whole exhibition space is a lifetime experience.
SHIMURABROS is a duo of sister and brother. Deep into philosophical cinematography, they use their art to question what we really see… reality or imagination… the craftsmanship is everything to them and the use of light in all its forms drive us into profound meditation and emotions.
TAKAHIRO IWASAKI is another Venice Biennale artist. Famous for his upside-down iconic Japanese architectures… poetic yet extremely beautiful conceived. He is probably one of the most important sculptors in Japan today. Turning everyday objects including toothbrushes or ducktapes into masterpieces… one of a kind!
