In the wake of the Japan earthquake and tsunami the world was in awe of the Japanese. Many said it was the root values of politeness and service to the greater good of society in their culture and national identity that helped them face such adversity with such resolve and order. And while these community values do exist, Japan is not simply about the group; the country is as much about the individual as it is the collective. A brief walk down the streets of Harajuku or Shibuya confirms this as you’re brought face to face with the colorful characters of those trend-setting districts. Though unintended, it feels rather timely that this May and June we’re showing the works of artists VIWA and Tomoaki Tarutani who represent this duality in modern Japanese culture. In Adding Dimension, they come together to see what happens when the two psyches and views of history collide, just as is happening in modern day Japan.

VIWA draws from the past, conceiving his art from the nation’s point of view, by building on objects and patterns deeply ingrained in the culture and milieu of Japan. He believes traditional decorative objects and patterns that have existed since ancient times in Japan deeply reflect the culture. He takes these existing concepts and adds individual elements, creating original works out of traditional ones. According to VIWA, many of Japan’s traditional arts retain their freshness and have a universal appeal that transcends history, as evidenced by the world of emaki, the traditional picture scroll that narrates the history of Japan, the byobu, the folding screens that decorate rooms, the design patterns in armor that samurai wore in battles during the Sengoku period, as well as the mandala patterns widely used in the Buddhist world.

Tarutani on the other hand deals with the individual experience. His work focuses on what lies in his own, ever-renewing consciousness. This includes ordinary scenes encountered in daily life, people he meets, experiences that move him, and even the subconscious. To Tarutani coincidences and even mistakes are a source of inspiration. His theme is self-exploration; and what comes out on paper and on canvas often shows how he comes to terms dealing with his past, and reveals his connections to the world.

During the exhibition period 10% of sales will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross to help with relief efforts still underway in Japan.

About the artists

VIWA was born in Saitama, Japan in 1976 and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting at Tokyo Zokei University in 2001. His works have been shown in Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong as well as Japan.

Tomoaki Tarutani was born in Kyoto in 1984 and attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Osaka University of Arts in 2007. In 2009 Tarutani was awarded the KONICA MINOLTA Eco & Art Award, and won honorable mention at The 9th International Illustration Competition.

Opening reception: 7:00-9:00pm, Tuesday 24th May, 2011