Lot 1754: CHIHIRO NAGASHIMA

CHIHIRO NAGASHIMA
(B. 1983)
Saints Stem
signed, titled and dated in Japanese (on the reverse)
acrylic on paper, mounted on panel
194.3 x 130.3 cm. (76 1/2 x 51 1/4 in.)
Painted in 2008

Kyoto, Japan, Imura Art Gallery, Chihiro Nagashima- at the space time, 7-26 July 2008.

Imura Art Gallery, Chihiro Nagashima- at the space time, Kyoto, Japan, 7-26 July 2008 (illustrated, exhibition invitation postcard).

Contrary to existing notions of compositional balance, Chihiro Nagashima draws a plane of detailed compact figures layered in a seemingly pyramidal scheme. The obscurely posed, clothed forms of the figures are reminiscent of small swallows of various social hierarchy neatly perched on electrical cables, conversing one another or simply, staring blankly. As if our universe has been over simplified, even the moon and sun are represented on top line, delicately balanced on either side of the canvas. Such particular poses and representation is even reminiscent of ancient temple carvings of Egypt and its depiction of the gods and mortal life.

Carefully and tenderly, Nagashima outlines her figures with a fine black line and fills each figure with subtle details, as if each were a distinct individual. The smoothness of her brushstrokes not only emphasizes the delicateness of her figures, but additionally echoes the exquisite paintings of nihonga. Saints Stem's (Lot 1754) whimsical composition validates Nagashima's dreamlike imagination and equally forces the viewer to take note to the reference of her detailed and complex work as abstractions of our everyday life.