30 April-30 May 2014
Reiko Yoshimoto: “Painting with Paper”
The exhibition title “Painting with Paper” stems from the method artist Reiko Yoshimoto used to create most of the work on display. Known as chigiri-e, it is a collage process where the image is composed of pieces of coloured paper as opposed to paint.
Chigiri-e, pronounced “chee-gee-ree-eh,” is a traditional Japanese art form dating from the Heian Period (794-1185 CE). The Heian period was a very rich age for Japanese poetry, literature and art. The word chigiru means to tear and e is an image; therefore, an image produced by tearing pieces of specially made and dyed paper, washi. Yoshimoto started taking classes in chigiri-e in 1993 and she continues to attend classes while perfecting the technique. Much of Yoshimoto’s work reproduces the classic art of many artists, but in the medium of torn paper.
The technique of chigiri-e uses the unique characteristics of the washi paper, taking advantage of its texture, malleability, colouring and ductile properties to produce a “collage”. The artist, using her hands, tears, wets, twists, stretches, separates fibres and applies the worked paper on to another surface, traditionally paper scrolls or other paper media. Many works of chigiri-e, including those in this exhibition, appear from a distance to be watercolours, but upon close examination, the “paper” qualities become apparent. Flowers or plant images are typical and traditional subjects, and many such works are included in this show.
Also showcased in this exhibition are works in the Bunka Shishu method of Japanese embroidered art, a method which dates back to the early 20th century. Included in the Bunka works by Yoshimoto in the exhibition are a wonderful group of reproductions of woodblock print images by the renowned woodblock artist Ando Hiroshige.
Reiko Nakamura Yoshimoto was born in 1928 in Hiroshima, Japan, and attended schools in Japan through high school. At a very early age, she was recognized for her artistic ability. In 1945, while in high school, she experienced and survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. After World War II ended, she met Tadato Jim Yoshimoto, a U.S. Army Sergeant from Los Angeles stationed in Japan serving on General MacArthur’s staff. In 1950, they were married and moved to the United States upon Jim’s discharge. They had two children, Bill and Grace.
(adapted from the gallery’s press materials)
INFORMATION
Arts Visalia
214 East Oak Avenue
Visalia, California 93291 USA
(559) 739-0905
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, Noon-5:30PM
Image:
Yamaka Ginsō (Mountainside Silver Snow Glow)
by Reiko Yoshimoto
washi paper
Image courtesy of the artist and Arts Visalia, California