Ota Ward Cultural Arts Information Paper "ART bee HIVE" vol.14 + bee!

Issued April 2023, 4

vol.14 Spring issue

The Ota Ward Cultural Arts Information Paper "ART bee HIVE" is a quarterly information paper that contains information on local culture and arts, newly published by the Ota Ward Cultural Promotion Association from the fall of 2019.
"BEE HIVE" means a beehive.
Together with the ward reporter "Mitsubachi Corps" gathered by open recruitment, we will collect artistic information and deliver it to everyone!
In "+ bee!", We will post information that could not be introduced on paper.

Artistic People: Artist Kosei Komatsu + bee!

Art Place: Mizoe Gallery + bee!

Future attention EVENT + bee!

I don't know if I'm looking at a work or looking at nature,
I wish I could see it that way.
"Artist Kosei Komatsu"

As part of the OTA Art Project <Machini Ewokaku> *Vol.5, artist Kosei Komatsu's "Light and Wind Mobilescape" will be held at Denenchofu Seseragi Park and Seseragikan from May this year.We asked Mr. Komatsu about this exhibition and his own art.

The wood used in the work and Kosei Komatsu
Ⓒ KAZNIKI

I want to express the feeling of jumping into space with objects and spaces.

Speaking of Mr. Komatsu, motifs such as "floating" and "feathers" come to mind as themes.Please tell us how you arrived at your current style.

“For my graduation work at art university, I created a space where invisible people were dancing breakdance. I covered the floor with goose feathers dyed in bright red for several kilograms, and created 128 air nozzles under the floor. By manually blowing the wind with a push-up-push-push.While monitoring the inside of the work, it communicates with the viewer who enters the work through the air.This is the kind of work.So after the graduation exhibition, a large number of feathers were produced. It's been 19 years since I became interested in birds and somehow understood the charm of feathers."

I heard that you have been interested in floating since you were a child.

“When I was a child, I was obsessed with skateboarding and breakdancing, and I liked using my body to jump into space. Like, I have a place, and I imagine what it would be interesting to have here.Looking at a space means looking at the air, not the walls.Looking at the space and imagining it When I'm there, something comes to my mind.I can see the lines.My creations start from being conscious of the space and seeing the space.”

The degree of freedom increased when I used film materials.

Please tell us how the feather chandelier shape, which is your representative work, was born.

“That chandelier came about by chance. I was constantly trying to figure out how to keep a small object floating beautifully. I thought this was interesting, so I branched out into the chandelier work.It is a discovery that the wind moves so much in an empty space.
My head, which was thinking about how to control the work, became uncontrollable.It was an interesting discovery, too.At the time when he was just beginning to create his work with computer programs, he began to manage all movements himself.It was a no-control situation that made me feel uncomfortable. ”

Why did you switch from bird feathers to artificial materials?

“Twenty years ago, the only floating objects available were bird feathers. With the passage of time, the meaning of animal materials has changed little by little. But now people see them as ``animal feathers.'' Even high-end fashion brands no longer use fur.The meaning of his works has changed from 20 years ago to now.At the same time, I myself have been using bird feathers for a long time, and there were some parts that I got used to.So I decided to try a new material.When I actually used a film material, I found that it was different from bird feathers. , the size can be changed as desired, so the degree of freedom has increased. Light materials such as film materials are actually packed with high technology.”

A conflict has arisen between the natural technology of bird feathers and the artificial technology of film materials.

"Yes, that's right. From the beginning of my artist career, I always wondered if there was a material that could replace feathers. Actually, it's hard to get and the size is fixed, but it's something that fits in the air and floats like feathers. There is nothing that flies beautifully in the sky.In the process of evolution, amazing things are happening in the science or technology of flying wings.I think that the feathers of birds are the best thing that can fly in the sky.
In 2014, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Issey Miyake and made an original feather with pleats.At that time, when I listened to the technology put into a single piece of cloth and the thoughts of various people, I felt that the materials made by humans are not bad and attractive.It was an opportunity for me to change the material of my work to an artificial object all at once. ”

Prototype under construction for "Light and Wind Mobile Scape"
Ⓒ KAZNIKI

Rather than appealing, it feels like the work occasionally calls.

Wings are originally white, but why are many of them transparent or colorless even when artificial materials are used?

“Goose feathers are unbleached and white, and are made of a material that absorbs light like shoji paper. When I made an object and put it in a museum, the feather itself was small and delicate, so it was weak. , The world expanded greatly when the lighting created shadows.It became a shadow and I was able to visualize the air.The compatibility between the air and the light and shadow is very good.Both are not substances, they can be touched, but they are phenomena. The atmosphere is expressed with light, which eliminates the weakness of the object.
After that, how to handle light became a big issue, and I became aware of reflections and materials that contain light.Transparent objects reflect and reflect.The change is interesting, so I dare to make it without coloring.Polarizing film emits a variety of colors, but since it emits white light, it has a color similar to the sky.The color of the blue sky, the color of the setting sun and the sunrise.I think that the change that does not appear in coloring is an interesting color. ”

Feel the moment in the flickering light and shadow in the wind.

“I am very conscious of the moment when the work meets the viewer. I want it to hang in my home, but I don’t want people to look at it all the time. Feeling.That's the best way I want you to see it.It's not always appealing, but it's a feeling that my work sometimes calls out.The moment the wind blows, the shadow reflected on the shoji screen, or the moment the wind blows. I want you to think of it as something like a fluffy thing.”

At ART bee HIVE, the residents of the ward cooperate as reporters called the honeybee corps.The honey bee corps asked me why there are so many black and white images.There was also a question whether white is an angel and black is a crow.

“Pursuing the expression of light and shadow, it has become a world of white and black shadows.Things that appear at the same time like light and shadow are easy to connect to the story, and the image of angels and demons that Mitsubachitai feels. I think it will be

The light and shadow are very strong and simple, so it's easy for everyone to imagine.

"Yes. It is very important that everyone can easily imagine something."

"KOSEI KOMATSU EXHIBITION Light and Shadow Mobile Forest Dream] Installation view
2022 Kanazu Art Museum / Fukui Prefecture

Instead of coming to see art, bring art to a place where something is happening.

Could you tell us about this project?

“I use Tamagawa Station as my commuting route from my house to the studio. I thought it was kind of interesting to see a forest beyond the station even though it was in the city. There are people playing with their parents, people walking their dogs, people reading books in the Seseragikan. For this project, I chose Denenchofu Seseragi Park as the venue because I wanted to bring art to a place where something is happening, instead of coming to see art.”

So you're going to display it not only outdoors, but also inside the Den-en-chofu Seseragikan?

“Some works are hanging above the reading area.”

Like what I said earlier, when I was reading a book, there was a moment when the shadow moved quickly.

"That's right. Also, I would like people to see my works in a forest or nature."

Will there be countless settings throughout the park?

"Yes. You could say it's orienteering. It's about increasing the purpose of various types of people, such as those who are wandering around without a purpose, or those who are looking for interesting flowers. Only this season is interesting and different from usual. It feels like flowers are blooming."

Installation view of "KOSEI KOMATSU EXHIBITION Light and Shadow Mobile Dream of the Forest"
2022 Kanazu Art Museum / Fukui Prefecture

*OTA Art Project <Machinie Wokaku>: The aim is to create a new landscape by placing art in the public spaces of Ota Ward.

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Profile

Atelier and Kosei Komatsu
Ⓒ KAZNIKI

Born in 1981. 2004 Graduated from Musashino Art University. In 2006, she graduated from the Graduate School of Tokyo University of the Arts. In addition to exhibiting works at art museums, she also creates spatial performances in large spaces such as commercial facilities. 2007, 10th Japan Media Arts Festival Art Division Jury Recommendation. 2010, "Busan Biennale Living in Evolution". 2015/2022, Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, etc.Specially appointed associate professor at Musashino Art University.

website

As a representative of the artist,
I would be happy if I could help art become a familiar existence.
"Kazunobu Abe, Managing Director of Mizoe Gallery"

A Japanese-style house in a quiet residential area of ​​Denenchofu is the Tokyo branch of Mizoe Gallery, which has its main store in Fukuoka.It is a gallery that uses the entrance of a house, living room, Japanese-style room, study, and garden as an exhibition space.You can spend a quiet, relaxing and luxurious time that you cannot experience in a gallery in the city center.This time, we interviewed Senior Managing Director Kazunori Abe.

Appearance that blends in with the townscape of Denenchofu
Ⓒ KAZNIKI

Your stay is really long.

When will Mizoe Gallery open?

“Fukuoka opened in May 2008. Tokyo from May 5.”

What made you come to Tokyo?

“While working in Fukuoka, I felt that Tokyo was the center of the art market. We can introduce it to Fukuoka.Since it will be possible to have two-way exchanges between our two bases, we decided to open a gallery in Tokyo.”

Please tell us about the concept of using a detached house instead of the white cube (pure white space) that is common in galleries.

“You can enjoy art in a relaxed environment, both physically and mentally, in a rich living environment.

Is it possible to sit on a sofa or chair and appreciate it?

"Yes. Not only can you see the paintings, but you can also look at the artist's materials, talk with the artists, and really relax. is."

A painting on the mantelpiece in the living room
Ⓒ KAZNIKI

Don't be swept away by trends, judge with your own eyes what good quality will remain in the future.

In general, galleries in Japan may have the impression that the threshold is still high.What do you think about the significance and role of galleries?

“Our job is to introduce and sell the products created by artists. It is the artist who actually creates new value, but we help create new value by making the artist known to the world. It is also our job to protect the good old values ​​without being swept away by trends.
Not to mention dead artists, there are artists who are not good at speaking even if they are living artists.As an artist's spokesperson, we believe that it is our role to convey the concept of the work, the artist's thoughts and attitude, and all of them.I would be happy if our activities could help make art more familiar to everyone. ”

What is the biggest difference from museums?

“Museums cannot buy works. Galleries sell works.

Ⓒ KAZNIKI

Could you tell us a little more about the joy of owning a work of art?

“I don’t think it would be easy for an individual to own the works of Picasso or Matisse that are in museums, but there are so many different artists in the world, and they are creating a wide variety of works. If you put it in your life, the scenery of your daily life will change.In the case of a living artist, the face of the artist will come to mind and you will want to support that artist. I think that if we can play an even greater role, it will lead to joy.”

By purchasing the work, do you support the values ​​of the artist?

"That's right. Art isn't meant to be used or eaten, so some people may say they don't care if they receive a picture like this. You can find your own value in the work. I think it's a joy that can't be experienced just by looking at it in an art museum.Also, instead of looking at it from a distance at an art museum, seeing it in your daily life will give you a lot of realizations."

paintings in the alcove
Ⓒ KAZNIKI

Please tell us what you are particular about about the artists you work with.

“What I am careful about is not being swayed by trends, but judging with my own eyes what good things will remain in the future. I try not to think about such things.As an artist, I would like to support artists who value new and unique values.”

Please feel free to come through the gate.

How about the charm of Denenchofu where the gallery is located?

“Customers enjoy the journey to the gallery as well. They come here from the station in a refreshing mood, appreciate the art in the gallery, and return home in the beautiful scenery. The environment is good. is the charm of Denenchofu.”

It's completely different from the galleries in Ginza or Roppongi.

“Thankfully, there are people who are looking for this gallery itself.Many of them come from overseas.”

Please tell us about your plans for future exhibitions.

"2022 was the 10th anniversary of the Tokyo store. 2023 will be the 15th anniversary of Mizoe Gallery, so we will hold an exhibition of masterpieces selected from the collection. Western masters such as Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse. I think that it will cover everything from Japanese artists to artists who are currently active in Japan.We are planning to hold it around Golden Week.”

How is the development of Mizoe Gallery?

“I would like to improve my ability to communicate overseas, and if possible, I would like to have an overseas base. There was a feeling.Next, I think it would be nice if we could create a base where we can introduce Japanese artists to the world.In addition, we can introduce mutual exchanges to Japan by introducing artists that we have met overseas. I wish I could.'

Oga Ben Exhibition "Under the Ultramarine Sky" (2022)
Ⓒ KAZNIKI

Finally, please give a message to our readers.

“If you go to a gallery, you will meet a lot of fun people. If you can find even one piece that matches your sensibility, it will be a great pleasure for us at the gallery. There are many eccentric artists and gallery people. I don't think so, but many people find Denenchofu's Mizoe Gallery difficult to enter. I would love to have you."

Mizoe Gallery

Kazunobu Abe with Chagall in the background
Ⓒ KAZNIKI

• Location: 3-19-16 Denenchofu, Ota-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 7-minute walk from Tokyu Toyoko Line "Den-en-chofu Station" West Exit
• Business hours / 10: 00-18: 00
• Business days: Reservations required on Mondays and Tuesdays, open daily during special exhibitions
• Phone / 03-3722-6570

website

Attention EVENT information may be canceled or postponed in the future to prevent the spread of new coronavirus infections.
Please check each contact for the latest information.

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Contact

Public Relations and Public Hearing Section, Culture and Arts Promotion Division, Ota Ward Cultural Promotion Association