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SNEAKERWOLF
" L( I )FE "
i GALLERY OSAKA is holding "L(I)FE," a solo exhibition by Sneakerwolf.
Sneakerwolf's works bring out the uniqueness of Japan. In particular, his Kanji-Graphy series showcases unique, artistic language that superbly fuses the aesthetic sense behind edomoji (Japanese typefaces during the Edo period) with Western influences. This collection reconstructs the cultural legacy of the Edo period from a contemporary point of view, and it offers a new aesthetic experience via the methods of graffiti art and pop art. Also, he pursues a path that is freed from the rigidification and preconceptions of concepts such as gender, language, and substance and aims to break down the abstract walls and psychological walls that exist in society.
This theme of "L(I)FE" is based on his profound insights gained from the intricacies of words. The works in this exhibition search the unconscious mind, which hides a realm where "I (ai)" does not exist, and the emptiness of "ai (love)." In doing so, the works deeply appeal to the minds of viewers. Also, the "i (ai)" in the name of our gallery, "i GALLERY OSAKA," symbolizes one's identity and the meaning of one's existence. This resonates with the "ai" that brings into relief the complex interiors of his subjects. Osaka has prospered as a center of Japanese culture and economy since ancient times and fostered its unique cultural and art scenes. At the same time, edomoji is a part of Japan's history and culture, and it also has a deep connection with Osaka. We think you might feel that connection more closely through this exhibition.
Please fully enjoy Sneakerwolf's "asobi (games)," such as wordplay and illusions, through which differing cultures and points of view intersect.
DATES
MARCH 09 - 31, 2024
OPENING RECEPTION
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 5-8PM
LOCATION
i GALLERY OSAKA
1F, 3-8-14, MINAMISENBA,
CHUO-KU, OSAKA-SHI,
OSAKA
ARTIST
Sneakerwolf
"The theme of this exhibition is L(I)FE.
My artwork about LIFE does not have an "I." It's a wordplay that means "there is no I (me) or (I) ("ai" in Japanese) (love)," in other words, life cannot exist without "I." This idea came from my realization that I often feel like there is no "I" in the world. I hope that through this piece, it will become a trigger to push everyone's emotional buttons.
I created new artworks focusing on the theme of LIFE, combining multiple canvases to make combined canvas and using my original painting technique particle painting." - Seakerwolf
"Edo-moji" is a traditional design of characters created by deforming calligraphy, which can be seen on lanterns, fireman's hanten, festivals, work hanten, Senja-fuda, etc., originating in the Edo period of the 17th century.
The artistic value of these character cultures, constructed by the aesthetic senses of the Edo common people who were not influenced by the West, is positioned as the world's first original Japanese graffiti (street) art, and the original Edo characters are constructed by using the alphabet as parts of Chinese characters, The company has gained popularity for its one-of-a-kind <Kanji-Graphy> series of works, which expresses graffiti art and pop art textures, and has collaborated with brands such as NIKE, ASICS, Supreme, BAPE, and FCRB, as well as providing artwork. In recent years, he has been working on the structure of the Edo script.
In recent years, he has been expanding his artistic theory of "Super Deformism," which relates the structure of the Edo script to the super deformation in contemporary anime culture. I am also working on a new project called "Super Deformism".
Through all of his activities, he blurs the psychological boundaries of stereotypes and preconceptions by coexisting two different elements, such as English and Chinese characters, high culture and low culture, and so on.