Kumi Machida
15 December 2015 - 14 January 2016
Asia House
White Rainbow is pleased to announce the first solo presentation of two works by renowned Japanese artist Kumi Machida at Asia House, London. Kumi Machida has become internationally recognised for her depictions of haunting biomorphic humans awakening from surreal dream-like states. Having its roots in the Japanese tradition of Nihonga painting in sumi ink on kumohada linen paper with limited colouring from mineral pigments, Machida’s practice combines the classical education with contemporary motifs to form her own unique style.
Her austere brushwork modulates from delicacy to intensity, bringing an unknown presence into sharp relief with sparing clarity. It renders a darker nuance to these apparently tranquil beings – layered fine lines sparsely define forms and voids, lending the works a deadpan absurdity. Machida’s explorations of human relationships, self-consciousness and social awareness are expressed in each line – a void drawn within the silence of contemplation. Yet abandoned clues remain, cryptic signifiers, so that perhaps these portrayals of dysfunction, brutality and displacement bring also a quilt of comfort after waking from a nightmare.
Back to list
Asia House
63 New Cavendish Street
London W1G 7LP
15 December 2015 until 14 January 2016