26th Gotoh Memorial Cultural Award Exhibition: Shiori Horie, A Breath Away

TOKYO, Japan - April 5, 2021 - PRLog -- Supported by the Tokyu Foundation, the solo exhibition showcases Shiori Horie's overseas training achievements granted by the 26th Gotoh Memorial Cultural Award across 3 venues in Tokyo.

The exhibition presents a range of Horie's early to recent works. With the works from her first solo exhibition at Kashima Arts in 2014, profound compassion emanates through the sheer detail and attention she dedicated to her painted subjects. Tranquil and ephemeral, in these early works, viewers can almost feel her still life and animal subjects breathe life. Horie's first venture to human portraiture came with her return from Paris and, in this her newfound exploration of figures, these recent works begs us to wonder, what does she express through the human "gaze"?

Ultimately, while one may never understand how she perceives her subjects, the enigmatic qualities within her work are perhaps what gives them their unique shape. Please witness the developments that spans far beyond technical mastery.

【Artist Statement】

To be just A Breath Away

I began making art because I wanted to render what I truly liked, and I wanted to give substance to their inner essence. I am allergic to organic solvents. Because I cannot paint with oils, acrylics, or any material containing chemical substances, I specialized in Japanese painting, and painted only with paints and pigments derived solely from minerals (such as iwa-enogu) or other natural materials, washi paper and glue.

…Those who are hurt, wounded or hold sadness and distress are what draws my attention. These are the things I found in the animals, stones and dolls I previously depicted in my work. However, when I went to Paris, people became a motif I wanted to address. …The voices of "those pained, saddened and distressed". A voice likely to be trodden over by society. For the first time, I wanted to paint people because I wanted to hear these voices. I paint them, not only to empathize with them, but to be alongside them in their crusade. I want to keep reaching closer to those who are not here and to come.

Shiori Horie

【Exhibition Details】

Title｜Shiori Horie, A Breath Away
Gotoh Memorial Cultural Award Exhibition: A Showcase of Work Created During Overseas Residency
Organizer｜The Tokyu Foundation
Co-operators｜Sei-Rin, √K Contemporary and Kashima Arts Co., Ltd.
Exhibition HP｜https://root-k.jp/exhibitions_en/shiori-horie-a-breath-away/
Dates & Venues｜4/3 – 4/17: Space √K (Space Root K) (B1F, √K Contemporary, 6 Minamicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
4/3 – 5/15: √K Contemporary (Root K Contemporary)
5/29 – 6/12: Kashima Arts Co., Ltd.