Look East! 2- Asian Perspectives（SINGAPORE）

Mizuma Gallery is very pleased to present Look East! 2 – Asian Perspectives, its second group show at Gillman Barracks from 22 February to 22 March 2013. This exhibition presents a selection of contemporary artists from Japan and Asia, continuing to introduce the rich programme of Mizuma Gallery to the Singaporean audience. Exhibiting artists are Makoto Aida, Juri Hamada, Toru Ishii, Hyung Koo Kang, Akino Kondoh, Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba, Rieko Sakurai, Ai Yamaguchi and Zheng Jiang.

Makoto Aida (*1965, Niigata)

Though grotesque and erotic in style, Aida’s work displays an incisive critical faculty when it comes to political and historical issues. While projecting modern Japanese society, he simultaneously draws heavily on traditional artworks and modes of expression.

Juri Hamada (*1973, Indonesia)

Born in Indonesia, Hamada’s work finds its origin in the distinctive red colour of the country’s soil. Her attachment to the crimson land and the sheer dimension of this primordial landscape made her aware of the relative insignificance of mankind, pushing her through her work towards a broader understanding of life.

Toru Ishii (*1981, Japan)

Ishii studied the techniques and history of yuzen-zome (Japanese dyeing technique) at the Tokyo University of the Arts. He transposes yuzen-zome’s application from pratical use to the field of visual arts.

Hyung Koo Kang (*1954, Korea)

Kang is fast establishing himself as one of Korea’s most renowned artists for is intense portraits of various celebrities, artists, political figures, anonymous persons and even himself.

Akino Kondoh (*1980, Japan)

Kondoh is an artist and animator known for her striking, minimalist compositions, often executed with nothing more than graphite and watercolor. She has exhibited internationally, earning fundings from the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Pola Art Foundation.

Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba (*1968, Vietnam/Japan)

Born to a Japanese mother and and a Vietnamese father in Japan and educated in the United States, Nguyen-Hatsushiba now works and lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. His films and installations explore memory, history and national identity, with alienation as their central theme.

Rieko Sakurai (*1977, Japan)

When a girl who feels full of almighty power meets an obstacle, she wipes her tears to hide her aggressiveness within, leaving her pains and aimless curses painted under the flat surface.

Zheng Jiang (*1980, Beijing)

Zheng’s work is a creation in pursue of spiritual comfort. The repeated “begonia” pattern is Zheng’s working way of measuring time everyday while keeping him clam when facing society.