Japanese-born artists show work in Vancouver
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:13:53 +0000
Accomplished artists Seiji Kuwabara and Shinsuke Minegishi are exhibiting their work influenced by both Japanese and Canadian cultures
A new art exhibition in Vancouver, Connection: Tsunagari, features the work of two Japanese-born Canadian artists, reflecting how their lives are influenced by their two different and unique cultures.
In this exhibition, held until February 27 at Visual Space Gallery (3553 Dunbar St.) Seiji Kuwabara, a furniture designer by day, is showcasing sculptures made from red cedar wood that are local and recycled.
Sculpture by Japanese Canadian artist Seiji Kuwabara.
“Actually, this cedar wood came from a friend of mine who built a log cabin and this was the leftover materials. The ecological aspect of this show is very dear to my heart,” says Kuwabara. ‘As for the cedar, I have worked with this material many times before, and for these sculptures I have used an old Japanese technique, where you scorch the wood to bring out the natural grain so that it shows its beauty.”
Meanwhile, Minegishi is a world-renowned printmaker and book artist who showcases his work at exhibitions around the world. He is best known for his intricate and delicate details in his work “Hanga,” and he will be showcasing one or two large-scale prints in this exhibition, as well as some small prints that were used to illustrate books.
Work by Japanese Canadian artist Shinsuke Minegishi.
For Minegishi, both his Canadian life, as well as his Japanese heritage are important to his art. In particular, he is influenced by the hardworking ethic of his Japanese culture. “I greatly admire the work ethic of people in Japan, especially those that the people in Tokyo possess. They work extremely long, hard hours and artists are no exception. They work diligently at making art; after or between their money-making work. I have tried not to lose this ethic when I create my own art.”
All of the work on display at the exhibition, curated by gallery owner, Yukiko Onley, will be for sale and prices range from $200 to $8,000.