Ohta Iku solo exhibition "How can I express my love ? "
shimokitazawaartsJuly 6 - 17, 2023
1-7pm
Closed on Mon*, Tue and Wed.
*open on July 17, National Holiday
*Opening reception：July 6, 6-8pm
Anyone can participate in the opening reception.
Shimokitazawa Arts is pleased to announce to present the first solo exhibition "How can I express my love ?" by Ohta Iku.
She was born in Tokyo, 1998, graduated from Oil painting, Tama Art University, 2022 and is currently in MFA, painting, Tama Art University. This show is her first solo exhibition.
The abstract painting of oil on cotton, which Ohta painted in harmony with her mind, body and painting allows the inner light to shine through the surface of the painting. And the warmth seems to come through the air between the viewer and the painting. Her drawings, pastel and watercolor etc. on paper are reminiscent of familiar nature such as soil, water, weather, plants and insects at the first glance. But they're also like cells, blood vessels and synapses. The unpretentious lines soothe the mind and give a little accent to everyday life.
What both works have in common is the sincerity that Ohta expresses through her life-size self, and viewers feel sure to feel relaxed as if they were completely enveloped in the innocent and sincere works.
Artist Statement
I want paint like breathing.
When I'm painting, I'm always saved by the feeling that the painting and I are connected by the umbilical cord and make a " Heart-to-Heart " dialogue.
I want to listen carefully and use my nose in the only moment and live while making the umbilical cord between a painting and me thicker little by little.
About exhibition's title " How can I express my love ? "
I want to express my love and energy to people as as a life-size, immature and clumsy me, without trying to cover anything up.
I still don't know what love is. But I keep thinking about it every day. What I am sure of is that when I feel love, my body responds in ways other than words. With the temperature, the air and the energy, the folds of affection are reached to people.
I was saved many times with the affection that people expresss to me.
Maybe I shouldn't express my love.
It may be enough just to think about it in my heart.
But I just want to express it to people.
With air, heartbeats and breathing.
I believe in the moment that I express it with my painting and it "reaches" to people.
Ohta Iku
Born in Tokyo, 1998.
2022 BFA, Oil painting, Tama Art University, Japan
2023 Current in MFA, painting, Tama Art University, Japan
Group exhibition
2022
" Toki-Meki Painting Road " HB. Nezu, Tokyo
" A perfect day for 〇〇" Shinjuku Ophthalmologist (GANKA) Gallery, Tokyo
2021
"natural NATURE 4 " Flew gallery, Tokyo
