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.
Forms and Fields: Takeo Yamaguchi X Sadamasa Motonaga
HK H Queen’s 8/F
2024.10.10 - 11.16
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.
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.
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山口长男
山口长男
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.
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元永定正
元永定正
元永定正是第一代具体派的代表艺术家之一。生涯的后期，元永定正也创作儿童绘本，而他诙谐的作品风格在各个年龄层都广为人知且大受欢迎。元永定正在 1955年到 1971年间属于具体美术协会的一员，他自己开发了许多独特的创意，如「水之雕」是在塑料容器中装入有色的液态颜料，或将日本传统绘画中的滴流式技法（Tarashikomi）应用于创作中，或利用喷枪技法喷绘亚克力颜料等。元永定正在早期就拥有了许多国外经历，包括与马莎· 杰克逊画廊（美国纽约）和国际美学研究中心（意大利都灵）的合作。元永的作品在威尼斯双年展，首尔国际版画双年展，都灵Premio Risone 国际展等都备受好评。
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.
2024.10.10 - 11.16
香港 / H Queen’s
Tel: +852 2523 8001
Fax: +852 2523 8005
Opening Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed: 周日，周一