Takeo Yamaguchi X Sadamasa Motonaga: Forms and Fields

Takeo Yamaguchi X Sadamasa Motonaga: Forms and Fields
10th October, 2024 – 16th November, 2024
Whitestone Gallery
8F / H Queen’s
80 Queen’s Road Central
Hong Kong

Whitestone Gallery is thrilled to present Forms and Fields, a duo exhibition showcasing the works of two seminal Japanese artists, Takeo Yamaguchi and Sadamasa Motonaga.

This exhibition celebrates the rich legacies and innovative practices of these artists, who have indelibly contributed in shaping the landscape of modern and contemporary art in Japan and beyond. We invite viewers to join us at the opening reception on 10 October, to experience earthy and natural scent from local perfumery brand DaiHeungLey, reinterpreting the serenity of Takeo Yamaguchi and Sadamasa Motonaga’s creations through a multi-sensory experience.

Takeo Yamaguchi (1902-1983) was a pivotal figure in the evolution of Japanese abstract art. Born in Gyeongseong (now Seoul) in Japanese-occupied Korea, where his family owned a large farm, Yamaguchi returned to Japan in 1921, where he began studying Western painting under Saburosuke Okada. His artistic journey took him to France in 1927, shortly after graduating from the Tokyo Fine Arts School. Yamaguchi stayed in Paris for four years and was influenced by modern masters such as Picasso and Yuzo Saeki, he developed a distinctive style that melded his deep appreciation for traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary abstraction. His time in the atelier of the renowned sculptor Ossip Zadkine enriched his figurative sensibility and understanding of form.

The end of the Pacific War brought Yamaguchi into a new phase. The artist lost most of his early works in the war and seized the opportunity to start over a stage of exploring abstract forms and color fields. Yamaguchi’s post-war works are characterized by thick brushstrokes and a limited palette, often focusing on black tones complemented by ochre and reddish-brown hues. This unique combination evokes the fertile soil of the continent and reflects the human experience in a profound way. Yamaguchi’s participation in prestigious exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale (1956 and 1958) and the Sao Paulo Biennale (1956 and 1966), solidified his status as a pioneer of Japanese abstract art. He was also honored with accolades such as the Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts in 1961.

Sadamasa Motonaga (1922-2011) is celebrated as one of the leading figures of the Gutai Art Association, a group renowned for its radical approach to art that emphasized experimentation and interaction. Joining Gutai in 1955 as one of its first generation artists, Motonaga was instrumental in developing innovative concepts, including ‘Water Sculpture,’ which involves suspending vinyl bags filled with painted water—an embodiment of his playful approach to materials and forms. His unique style incorporates traditional Japanese painting technique ‘Tarashikomi’ where a second layer of paint is applied before the first layer is dry, creating an unexpected dripping effect. During Motonaga’s stay in New York in the 1960s, he started to introduce airbrush into his practice, dispersing acrylic paint across the canvas to create his signature vivd-colored, hard-edged forms.

Motonaga’s works often explore themes of humor and accessibility, making them resonant across generations. His international experience, including the exclusive relationship with the Martha Jackson Gallery in New York and the International Centre of Aesthetic Research in Turin, Italy, further solidified his reputation as a significant contemporary artist.

His participation in high-profile exhibitions, such as the Venice Biennale and the Seoul International Print Biennial, showcases his ability to engage with global audiences while remaining rooted in his Japanese heritage. Forms and Fields invites viewers to engage with the dynamic interplay of Yamaguchi’s rich textures and Motonaga’s whimsical forms, offering a unique exploration of abstraction through their distinct yet complementary lenses. Each artist’s work serves as a testament to their innovative spirits and enduring impact on the art world.

Takeo Yamaguchi X Sadamasa Motonaga: Forms and Fields opens on the 10th of October, 2024 until the 16th of November, 2024 at Whitestone Gallery

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