A combination of Shodo (traditional calligraphy) and graffiti elements Jun’s work it awesome. Being a massive fan of both Japanese calligraphy and graff I’m always excited to hear about new work by Jun. this should be a great show.
From the Backwoods Press Release: “Jun Inoue was raised in regional Kanagawa, Japan, where he studied Shodō (traditional Japanese calligraphy). His grand father, a Zen Monk, became a major influence on his philosophy and aesthetic vision. Upon moving to Tokyo, the energy of the city’s underground – jungle, hip-hop and most importantly, graffiti – played a major role in further shaping his aesthetic development.
At the time, Tokyo graffiti had become focused on distinctive sweeping movements and minimalistic abstract shapes, a stylistic direction inspired by visionary Tokyo artists Kami and Sasu. It was in this scene that Jun found the platform for his unique vision.
Stripping both Graffiti and Shodō back to a single common element, Jun’s artwork combines powerful and energetic movement with contemplative, Zen-line elegance. By finding a balance between the two traditions, Jun has given them both renewed relevance and context. Since his first exhibition with Backwoods Gallery, “New Yellow #1” in 2011, Jun has successfully promoted his unique vision of traditional Japanese aesthetics to a wide audience both within Japan and abroad. His collaborative collection with Tokyo fashion designer Miharayasuhiro culminated in an acclaimed live paint performance at Paris fashion week 2012. While in Australia his installations at the ASSIN boutiques in both Melbourne and Sydney have earned him an impressive list of collectors and private commissions across the country.
The Buddhist term “KUH” means to understand nothingness. This concept is keenly expressed through the interplay between negative and positive space in much of Jun’s artwork. KUH is also the title for Jun Inoue’s upcoming exhibition at Backwoods Gallery, where he will be presenting a collection of new paintings on paper and canvas. During the opening night the gallery will become the stage for a live paint performance, as Jun completes the final piece of the show in front of our guests.”
Jun Inoue – Kuh
Jun Inoue – Kuh
Jun Inoue – Kuh
Jun Inoue – Kuh
Who: Jun Inoue
What: KUH
Where: Backwoods Gallery. 25 Easey st. Collingwood.
When: Friday the 15th of November. 6 – 10pm. Live performance at 7pm. On display until Sunday 24th of November.
Facebook event page here.
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