TONGPHAR AND SUNSETS CORN
- Birth, Destruction and Re-Birth of Life -
Kawasaki Shunsuke
February 6 - February 23, 2008
Reception: Friday, February 8, 5:00PM － 7:30PM
NY Coo Gallery in February is proud to present sculptures and paintings by Shunsuke Kawasaki.
Made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a type of plastic that is easy to work with, durable and totally non-biodegradable, Kawasaki’s sculptures, the robot-shaped creatures that resemble nothing that nature would offer, symbolize the destruction of the environment and creation of its artificial replacement. In a sense, these sculptures are extension of the artist’s deep desire to create, destroy and recreate things dear to him.
Kawasaki’s paintings, on the other hand, represent the idea of " ultimate destruction. " Each of intricately and smoothly drawn lines and curves represents a life. These lines combine to create images that look like cells of living organisms. They emit a positive energy that makes you appreciate life. Even the idea of inevitable death that follows life seems to become easier to accept " Our life is basically a repetition of act of creation and destruction. Every new creation requires destruction of something old, and every destruction leads to a new creation, " says Kawasaki who allows his artworks do the rest of talking.
Currently living in Amoy, a major Chinese port city with strong Western influences situated in Fuh-kien province, this is Kawasaki’s first U.S. exhibition. Please join us to celebrate the occasion.
* * * *
The meaning of the exhibition title, " TONGPHAR AND SUNSETS CORN " － " Tongphar " is similar to a police nightstick. " Sunsets Corn " is a nunchaku-like weapon used in Chinese martial arts. " TONGPHAR AND SUNSETS CORN " is a term Kawasaki likes to use often although it really has no meaning. * * * *
Opening Reception
2/8/2008 (Fri)
Stepping into the gallery to be welcomed by the creatures from another planet… On the evening of February 8th, the opening reception for “TONGPHAR AND SUNSETS CORN - Birth, Destruction and Re-Birth of Life” was held with the artist, Shunsuke Kawasaki who flew in from in from China with his wife, in attendance.
Surrounded by more than a half dozen robot-like creatures made of ABS plastic resin (they symbolize environmental destruction and artificial products) and super-intricate paintings that depict life in nature (symbolizing destruction), one would feel as if he/she had been transported into a world in another dimension. Despite having no soft of round-edged surfaces, the ABS creatures, radiating with the “warmth” unique to organic life forms, appear to be “ready to start walking around,” as one guest said. Some guests were seen engaged in a discussion about the influences of anime in Kawasaki’s works.
Currently living in Amoy, a major Chinese port city, Kawasaki is one of the promising young artists with high expectations for the bright, exciting future.
A view of the reception / With the artist (R) and his wife (L) / A bird?
|
