YOHEI OGAWA
"Kindness to the Eyes
We are pleased to announce that i GALLERY OSAKA will be hosting Yohei Ogawa's solo exhibition, "Kindness to the Eyes". This will be his second solo exhibition in Osaka in three years.
Yohei Ogawa's works depict emotionally rich landscapes, combining abstract and simplistic stone buildings, elegant towering palm trees, and weighty stones. These elements merge seamlessly, creating a sense of openness as if nature itself is reflected on the canvas. The artworks exude a desolate and mysterious atmosphere from an unknown dimension, evoking a pleasant sense of awe in the viewers.
These inspirations stem from Yohei Ogawa's roots, beautifully portraying the once vibrant but declining towns through his childhood memories. The artworks express both the anxiety towards an inevitable reality and the deep love for affectionate places, giving birth to hopeful expectations for the future. Additionally, as a surfer, his works also reflect his profound love and affection for the sea and nature in Shizuoka. Through exquisite techniques and delicate use of colors, the artworks splendidly convey the love that arises from a dialogue with nature.
Various events such as global situations, political tensions, the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and airplane accidents are reported daily, casting a heavy shadow on people's hearts. The exhibition titled "Kindness to the Eyes" reflects sensitivity and a thoughtful approach towards the current unstable times. It carries the hope of providing solace and healing to the viewers through the power of beauty.
In this exhibition, you can see about 25 new canvas works, around 30 bottle works, and 4 collaborative three-dimensional works with NOTEWORKS. We hope that by appreciating these artworks, they can help you regain the calmness and hope that are often lost in the rough waves of reality.
DATES
FEBRUARY 03 - 25, 2024
OPENING RECEPTION
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 5-8PM
LOCATION
i GALLERY OSAKA
1F, 3-8-14, MINAMISENBA,
CHUO-KU, OSAKA-SHI,
OSAKA
ARTIST
YOHEI OGAWA
"Since the start of the new year, there have been tragic events, accidents, and disasters daily on TV and social media that you wish you had never seen. There may not be an end to these, but I chose this title hoping to relieve the viewer's eyes." - YOHEI OGAWA
Born 1985 in Teradomari-machi, Niigata. Lives and works in Shizuoka. Artistically, I apply myself to the impoverished landscape of the town I once grew up in. It once thrived on tourism.
But now however, the sorrow of its abandoned habits and structures greatly influence my art. Moreover, the temper, the character of Shizuoka's ocean and sky is greatly reflected amidst my pursuit of artistic expression. Indeed, I have found great joy working on my art day upon day, upon day.
Solo Exhibitions
2016 "SOFT TOUCH" Hatos bar, TOKYO
2016 "Sea said" Solero, NIIGATA
2017 "ビンビン展" Hatos bar, TOKYO
2018 "FLOAT ON FREEDOM" WK gallery, TOKYO
2018 "LIGHT A RAN" LIGHT, NARA
2019 "ERA" inherit gallery, TOKYO
2020 "NOMANSLAND" inherit gallery, TOKYO
2020 "DEAR DEER" LIGHT, NARA
2021 "SFC KIOSK" sanfrancisco.nnect., SHIZUOKA
2021 "POWER" inherit gallery, TOKYO
2021 "La casa de amigos" CopyArtCollective, OSAKA
2021 "KASA KASA" HENRY HAUZ, TOKYO
2022 "BROWN" NOTE WORKS, TOKYO
2022 "untitled" TO SEE, KYOTO
2022 "MASSIVE" inherit gallery, TOKYO
2022 "UNIque" UNIque, TOKYO
2022 "SF" FREAK’S STORE, TOKYO
2023 "DAWN" NOTE WORKS, TOKYO
2023 "untitled" EPOCH, HYOGO
2023 "NOBODY IS THERE" CIBONE Brooklyn, USA
2023 "INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENTS" float, TOKYO
Collaboration Partners
Diaspora skateboards, Inconvenience store(LA/USA), Better™ Gift Shop (Toronto/ Canada), BEAMS-T, HMV record shop, NOROLL, SUNDAYS BEST, NOTEWORKS, HOTEL DRUGS, APPLE BUTTER STORE , TACOMAFUJI, JUST RIGHT, TATJANA 焙煎所, TRAART