Mitomo Horihiro — Mitomo Horihiro
WORKS BY MITOMO HORIHIRO Opening Exhibition April 4, 2015 Runs through April 30
Mitomo Horihiro’s (formally Hiroshi Hirakawa) contemporary representations of the classic world of ukiyo-e speak of the ghosts of an era that, though long past, still resonate deeply today; influencing and inspiring current culture.
As a tattooer, Horihiro is immersed in a space that was and is at the heart of ukiyo-e. In fact it is difficult to mention one without the other. The relation between woodblock carvers, tattooers, painters, kabuki actors, geisha, etc. all intertwined to form the pictures of the floating world.
It could be said then that Horihiro is reflecting the world in which he is immersed, albeit with a lens that is extremely sensitive. He plays with myth in multiple dimensions; displaying a rare ability to transcend centuries within his imagery.
"When an artist as prodigiously talented as Chris Conn Askew* tells me that I’ve got to check out an artist, I don’t hesitate … especially when he tells me, “he’s been on fire lately!” I couldn’t agree more. Hiroshi Hirakawa has that rare and delicious combination of ferocious talent, tempered by a deep appreciation of historical techniques and precedent. Ukiyo-e or “pictures of the floating world” is a traditional form of Japanese painting and printmaking whose subject matter reflects a deep appreciation of earthly beauty, coupled with an acknowledgment of it’s transience. Hirakawa’s paintings, with their frequent allusions to mortality seem to fit into this genre – or at least to represent a vividly contemporary re-imagining of it. In addition to his epic allegorical works, there is also enough cephalopod love, tattooed odalisques, oblique geishas, and dissolute rapture to enchant and mystify even the most discerning viewer." —Jessica Joslin of Coilhouse
MITOMO HORIHIRO: LIMITED PRINTS In conjunction with Mitomo Horihiro's first North American exhibition we are offering four limited prints by the artist. Each edition is limited to ten pieces and are numbered, stamped, and signed by Horihiro. All are produced to the same scale as the originals; beautifully printed on archival cotton rag paper. The opportunity to obtain works by Horihiro is extremely rare. If you have been waiting to acquire then now is the time.
WORKS BY MITOMO HORIHIRO Opening Exhibition April 4th, 2015 8pm till' late Runs through April 30 ATAK Gallery 1038 Larkin St. SF, CA, URF
