Onishi Gallery is proud to present, perspectives, an exhibition of photographs by two Asian artists, Yojiro Imasaka and Jun Ahn. The exhibition, March 2 to 13, 2010, will be Imasaka and Ahn’s first exhibition at the gallery. The opening reception will take place, March 4th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The young international artists were inspired by their past experiences in their home countries, Japan and South Korea. Even though Asian culture has embraced the value of individual assertion recently, social authorization still exists physically and psychologically. The way of thinking is different among generations, yet young people still keep their dark and depressed feelings hidden inside. They seek to disclose their inherent conflicts by expressing themselves in a non-verbal way. The contrast between Imasaka and Ahn’s perspective is remarkable, yet their pictures are somehow related. Imasaka takes black and white pictures of buildings, looking up.
Yojiro Imasaka was born in 1983 in Hiroshima, Japan. He is currently enrolled at the Pratt Institute in the Photography MFA program. Since he was raised in Hiroshima, he has always had an opportunity to observe the Atomic Bomb Dome, the remains of a five story building, the only one left standing for miles after the explosion. The Dome exists as a Symbol of Peace, so that no one forgets the terrible incident which happened during World War II. The dome is the surviving stonework facade of a Beaux Art style performance hall. The contrast between strong shadow and intense light is from the moment of the explosion of the atomic bomb. The lines and forms of the buildings try to reach the light and melt together. The light also includes the meaning of hope and a ray of light in the darkness. All is reflected in his work.
Jun Ahn was born in 1981 in Seoul, South Korea. She started her graduate study in Photography at the Pratt Institute in 2007. She is currently enrolled at the Parsons School of Design, studying for a MFA. She positions her body in landmark structures or places that have personal significance. The places include: The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, 63 buildings in Korea, and her apartment in New York City. She describes her photography as "a captured, recreated moment of performance, rather than a staged gesture." Her per formative gestures, including jumping from a landmark, are induced from the fragility and insanity that every youth has experienced. In comparison to her dark concept, her pictures are color and refined. They seem to give us the energy of life.
Nana Onishi
ONISHI GALLERY
521 West 26th Street (between 10th & 11th Avenues)
New York, NY 10001
Tel: (212) 695-8035
Fax: (212) 695-8036
www.onishigallery.com
Gallery Hours: Tuesday, Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.