The artist-run gallery, Studio Kura, situated in the picturesque region of Itoshima, is gearing up to host a grand exhibition featuring the work of various international artists. For this special event, art lovers will have the privilege of appreciating the works of twelve distinguished artists who hail from seven diverse countries. This is indeed a testament to Studio Kura’s commitment to promoting global artistic exchange and showcasing a broad spectrum of creative perspectives.
• 6/24 (Sat.), 6/25 (Sun.)
• Artist Talk: 6/24 (Sat.)14:30~
• 11:00~17:00
• Free entry
• Studio Kura
• 586 Nijo-masue, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 092-325-1773
• https://studiokura.info/en/
• https://www.instagram.com/studiokura/
1. Katharina Eisenberg (Germany)
Title: The Philosophical Vending Machine
The Philosophical Vending Machine is a multi-part installation that displays small rooms I’ve fashioned from refuse. These rooms are interconnected, each visualizing distinct aspects of Japanese life wisdom. Framing the structure as a vending machine suggests that these pearls of wisdom are accessible for everyday application, providing valuable guidance. My installation is the culmination of in-depth research into Japanese culture, leading to a concept that’s as intricate as the nation itself. I hope you find joy in exploring it. – Katharina Eisenberg
2. Otis Burian Hodge (Australia)
Title: June.2023
June.2023 is a compilation of works that documents my time in Itoshima, capturing the region’s essence through my exploration and consumption of its offerings. This collection is a testament to my quiet observations, both in the studio and on the streets.
3. Alex Latham (Australia)
Title: Offerings to Itogon
My work centers around Itoshima’s well-known mascot, Itogon, which immediately captivated me. With only four weeks to create, I focused on the first element in Itoshima that I connected with. ‘Offerings to Itogon’ echoes the carefree and unsophisticated nature of my time here and stands as a memento of my journey. The consistent ‘bootleg’ depiction of Itogon creates a uniform body of work, facilitating experimentation within its boundaries. This collection is essentially an ode to Itogon, Itoshima, and the individuals who shaped this experience. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s numerous Shinto Shrines, I’ve included offerings such as beverages, food, flowers, spare change, drawings, and other mementos that have enriched my time in Japan. ‘Offerings to Itogon’ is an extensive travel diary, expressing gratitude for the experiences I’ve had in this place.
4. Mitch Patrick (USA)
Title: Godstone
During my residency at Studio Kura, I collected discarded debris from the local ecosystem and human activity. These artifacts were repurposed into typographic glyphs, designed to represent pixels in images, forming the basis for a series of complementary artworks. My project focuses intently on the local minutiae of Itoshima (糸島市)—those elements we typically overlook or deem insignificant, similar to pixels in the images we view on our screens. By creating these artworks, I aimed to reimagine the found artifacts and my residency experience, and highlight the importance of seemingly minor details. I named the project and its glyph set “Godstone” (神石), drawing inspiration from a spiritual artifact—a large boulder found in the foothills of Kamiari (神在). Just like the noticeable Godstone amidst a bamboo grove, I observed parallels in my project—the realization that the broader world, be it in reality or an image, is composed of numerous smaller elements. In essence, “It’s turtles all the way down.”
5. Kendall Schauder (USA)
Title: Canvas
Kendall, a weaver from Chicago, delves into the roots of textile making in her practice. In this exhibition, she scrutinizes painting through the perspective of a weaver. She has designed a simple loom, constructed from locally harvested bamboo, which doubles as both the tool on which her canvas is woven and the frame for its display.
6. Qinxi Yu (China)
Title: Tidal Wind
One day, after leaving the coin laundry, I had an hour to explore the residential area. I cycled around and stopped in front of a factory, where I spotted a plastic bird in the middle of the malt. I attempted to get closer, but the sunlight started to flicker erratically, making it difficult to see the path. Everything began to emit a halo of fiery red; it was then that I realized the sunset was nearing. Suddenly, an urge arose within me to ascend to a higher place. Ironically, the uphill road led me to the shore. Dismounting my bike, I stood by a pile of discarded fishing nets, hoping that they represented the letters or responses I’d been waiting for. I tried to recall my usual responses. Without even finishing her letter, I decided to meet her.
7. Holly Elan Watson (UK)
Title: A Gentle Squeeze and a Bite
For this exhibition, Holly has been creating paintings on raw canvas that celebrate the act of discovery and the experience of new sensations. She draws inspiration from the natural world and our relationship with it, focusing on how senses such as taste and touch can be represented in her works.
8. César Pelizer (UK)
Title: Itoshima Dreams
Itoshima Dreams is a collection of illustrations inspired by dreams and abstract thoughts I had each morning during my 28-day stay at Studio Kura. The local mountains and rice fields heavily influenced these works.
9. Amy-Leigh Braaf (South Africa)
Title: Bye Bye Bokkie
Bye Bye Bokkie is a contemplative exploration of self and the understanding of love through symbols gleaned from Japanese and South African fauna and flora. This series is a sequel to Celestial Deities, an exhibition that delved into redefining womanhood, artistry, and shared experiences in connection to our ancestors. Bye Bye Bokkie delves into topics concerning the profound bonds formed through different behaviors, which can be either parasitic or symbiotic.
10. Mike Byson (USA)
Title: Good Company
Good Company is a series of pen and charcoal drawings on paper by Mike Byson. The series explores the theme of human connection, depicting people supporting each other in various relationships. Byson’s drawings are characterized by their warmth and messages that resonate with the human spirit.
11. Xinran Li (China)
Title: Something About Us
My fascination with humans and living beings fuels my work. I’ve always strived to explore the deepest, softest, smallest emotions that a human heart can experience in this vast universe. Engaging with my peers’ conversations, I immerse myself in this ocean—where I encounter the world in every tidal wave, each time in a different way. This exhibition displays my journey here in Ikisan, where I’ve lived with all my heart and soul.
12. Nanouche Oriano (France)
Title: Rice, Gods, Puppets (an extract from my travel diaries exploring Japan and Vietnam)
Over years of traveling through Asia as a puppeteer and a researcher of traditional and contemporary puppet theaters, I’ve come to realize that puppetry arts, particularly in Asia, often intertwine with farming and spiritual practices. In this exhibition, I am presenting the first chapter of a graphic novel based on my travel diaries around Asia. This chapter specifically explores my fascination with customs, beliefs, and celebrations surrounding rice in both Japan and Vietnam. The exhibit features a small sculpture I created of a “ta no kansa” (rice god in Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures), with which you are invited to exchange greetings.
