One of my favorite artists, Mari Inukai, is having another show–this time, she’ll be a part of their Blender show with Vincent Hui, Melissa Haslam, Ryuichi Ogino and Deth P Sun.
As the official press release states, the Blender show at Cerasoli: leBASSE gallery in Culver City, CA highlights The selection of artists in Gallery I reflects “the second wave of emerging Asian influenced painters. Hailing from Japan, China and Australia these artists are exploring the juxtaposition of cultures both in their daily lives and artwork.”
Hmm…this sounds really familiar. Like another show that Mari participated in earlier this year. đ
I luuuuuuuurve Mari’s work: she has two different styles of expressing herself, which is either a cutesy, anime-ish assortment of creatures and backgrounds, or a more realistic take on her surroundings. Am I even making sense?
Mari wrote that she will featuring 5 paintings in the show, most (or all) which focus on her daughter, Sena and celebrating her coming-of-age, in homage to the Japanese tradition of seijinshiki.
While American teens love to celebrate their Sweet 16 with extravagant parties (thank you, MTV), young adults in Japan consider their 20th birthday to official mark their entry into adulthood. Their special birthday is celebrated with an official photograph, which led me to take a really embarrasing portrait where I looked like a picture bride (thanks, Mom.)
Mari says,
But for this year, I was trying to visualize,, her placement (psychologically, physically…beyond) which in between of child and adult. doors, walls, windows……whites yellows. blues, reds and blacks..water, fire, and fish..birds..monkeys….
so all paintings I created in this year are related to the idea…and I am still doing it.(>_<)
If you’re interested in checking it out, the opening reception is Saturday, October 11th from 7 to 10pm. The Cerasoli: leBasse gallery is located at 8530-b Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232. Open bar, people! Woo-hoo!
