Japanese artist Wataru Ozu is currently showcasing his unique vision at AISHO Hong Kong with his inaugural solo exhibition in the city, titled 'Between Stillness.' The exhibition, which runs until October 3, features a series of seven captivating paintings that masterfully blend historical Western art traditions with profound Eastern philosophical concepts. Ozu's work invites viewers to consider the nuanced relationship between emptiness and presence, and the dynamic interplay of cultural influences in contemporary art.
The artistic dialogue at the core of Ozu's exhibition is rooted in historical precedent. Centuries ago, a fascinating cultural exchange saw Western painting styles make their way to Japan during the Edo period. Local artists, intrigued by these novel techniques, began incorporating them into their own works, leading to the emergence of a distinctive style known as 'youfuuga.' This early fusion of East and West laid the groundwork for future cross-cultural artistic explorations.
In 'Between Stillness,' Ozu reinterprets the classical vanitas still life genre, infusing it with 'ma,' a fundamental Japanese aesthetic principle. 'Ma' refers to the conscious appreciation of the void, the space between objects, moments, or ideas. Ozu's canvases are rich with seemingly disparate elements: traditional blankets, vibrant flowers, and dinnerware coexist with instantly recognizable contemporary pop cultural figures such as Hello Kitty, Miffy, and Mickey Mouse. These diverse components are unified by bold outlines and set against tranquil, pastel backgrounds. Through this inventive compositional strategy, Ozu articulates 'ma' not merely as an absence but as a vibrant state of being, a space imbued with potential and significance.
Ozu elaborates on his interpretation of 'ma,' stating, \"For me, ma is more than just empty space. While it acts as a bridge connecting the painting's realm with the viewer's, it also breathes life into this interaction, creating both tension and serenity within the artwork. I perceive 'ma' as a state where one has the freedom to choose whether to include something or to leave it unpainted. This very fluctuation in the selection process, I believe, enriches the painting's depth and meaning.\"
The exhibition provides a compelling platform for audiences to engage with Ozu's distinctive artistic vocabulary and his exploration of cultural intersections. His works offer a contemplative experience, encouraging viewers to find beauty and meaning in the spaces between, reflecting on the historical journey of artistic exchange and its modern manifestations. 'Between Stillness' serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and foster new forms of understanding.
The exhibition is on display at AISHO Hong Kong, located at Po Hing Mansion, 2-6 Wa Ning Ln, Tai Ping Shan, Hong Kong. Visitors have the opportunity to experience this unique blend of tradition and modernity until October 3.