“The Second Stage at GG” is a series of exhibitions presenting more recent works by former finalists in the gallery’s open competitions launched to promote budding artists in various fields: initially the “Hitotsubo” exhibitions held from 1992 to 2008, and then the “1_WALL” events continuing since 2009. The works shown in “The Second Stage at GG” exhibitions are all created after these young artists entered their respective fields as professionals. The 39th exhibition in “The Second Stage at GG” series will introduce the works of four artists, all of the same generation, who were finalists in the “1_WALL” graphics competitions. They were selected for this event as beacons of new currents in tomorrow’s graphics.
When we look back over the various works that have been included in all previous “1_WALL” graphics competition, we can note the recent emergence of modes of graphic expression that do not fit easily into the conventional category of graphics. These graphics of the new generation have been born from ideas that transcend the genre of graphics as it has been known, and they are not subjected in any way to the constraints posed by any particular technique or medium. In light of the new trend, since 2013 a series of four Talk Show events has been held, titled “Graphics: Present and Future,” synchronous with the “1_WALL” exhibitions, generating ongoing discussions concerning how “graphics” can be defined in our contemporary times.
Yutaro Ogawa probes borderlines with his animations known as “moving publications.” Yukiko Shimono uses vector data to explore pictorial matter within unlimited expansion and contraction. Hikari Daimon, by freely changing the size of her manga frames as if they are too small to contain everything, steals the hearts of young girls. Hayashi Kanae Takeshi challenges the limits of speed in visual communication with her images based on strokes and motifs.
All four artists, with their different approaches, will be placed in the spotlight for their unique modes of expression replete with new values. We are sure that visitors will enjoy seeing their latest creations.
Yutaro Ogawa
When I take a shower, as I watch how the water comes down endlessly, I gradually stop thinking. It seems to me that in everyday life movements that we watch mindlessly share in common a “repetitive” action. When we sing a song too, simply singing the same phrase over and over again fills us with a good feeling, and there are times when the meaning of the lyrics seems to rapidly amplify inside us. Repetition has a strangely wondrous power. Simply reiterating doesn’t necessarily produce such an effect; I think repetition must have an appropriate “quantity” for that.
Yukiko Shimono
When I draw in three dimensions, the size is fixed and becomes unlike anything else. It’s not a special feature of drawing, however. When I depict something inside my head, it exists as an image in which even the size isn’t determined by whether I am to draw on canvas or paper. In drawings with vector data, metaphysical lines change size on the print or monitor and are reproduced visually any number of times. I think that’s one of the choices we have in expressing a picture.
Hikari Daimon
When I began thinking about drawing manga, what I focused on was “lines.” More than the story or the characters, what was needed were “lines” to configure them. “Lines” are no more and no less, only traces. When following the lines of others, I invite others inside me; and the others, they invite me. That’s when the borders between the two lines become ambiguous and sweet.
Give My Regards to Black Jack 3/p.154
Title: Give My Regards to Black Jack
Author: Shuho Sato
Website: mangaonweb.com
Hayashi Kanae Takeshi
From the moment a person feels the thrill of speed, there can never be any turning back. Forms that have speed that is obedient and at times violent are beautifully burnished by aerodynamics and gravity. Speedism creates machines of steel that are unaffected by friction or resistance of any kind. The era when speed was depicted has ended; the age has come when fine art becomes speed. (from “Declaration of Speedism” by Hayashi Kanae Takeshi)
Born in Tokyo in 1985. Graduated from the Department of Graphic Design at Tama Art University and al...
Yukiko Shimono
Born in Tokyo in 1988. Graduated from Musashino Art University in 2013.
Born in Tokyo in 1987. Since 2012 she has been creating graphics depicting herself. In summer 2012 s...
Hayashi Kanae Takeshi
Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1991. Since 2011 her works have focused on speed within 2-dimensional expression, and today, under the banner of “speedism,” she creates from the ideal of “creating machines free of all friction and resistance.” On February 20, 2015 she released “Declaration of Speedism.”
Organizer: Guardian Garden
