ITADAKIMASU
Taking time to enjoy magnificence of nature as a source for life helps
us to remember that we must take care of it and how small we are in the scheme
of things.
Featuring guest Japanese and international artists — Japanese master
ceramicist Seigo Yoshimura, master painter Miwako Murakami, and Toubou Ao’s
German ceramicist and designer Mirjam Rickert — emerging artist Georgina Hooper
introduces Brisbane to an overwhelming sense of gratitude in ‘ITADAKIMASU’, her first major
exhibition.
Comprising over 90 hand-painted porcelain ceramics and paintings
created mostly during her extensive artist residencies in the historical
ceramic villages of Nakaoyama, Japan and Jingdezhen, China, and incorporating a
large-scale, interactive porcelain and bamboo installation which aims to compel
sociological insight into the value we place on art and nature, the exhibition
illustrates the thankfulness Hooper has for her journey, in particular her
embracement by the people of Nakaoyama.
‘Itadakimasu’ - the Japanese blessing
offered at the commencement of a meal – is a prophetic exhibition title for
Hooper, who sees the concept mirrored in the works she’ll present. “Given that many of my artworks are plates
and cups I felt this was an appropriate way to communicate my message. The
painted images of nature and of spirit on the works are a daily reminder that
we are blessed. In Australia we have so much, and consuming has become inculcated.
I want my work to remind people of the vital importance of nature, of being
grateful for everything we have, of taking the time to enjoy the simplicity of
quiet, peaceful moments and to remember that we are part of something bigger,
far more connected to others, than we are by our division of them by mere
geography.”
The show will feature Georgina Hooper’s paintings and porcelain
artworks but will also feature a small selection of pieces from Nakaoyama.
Master ceramist Mr Seigo Yoshimura and master painter Mrs Murakami have created
6 exquisite ceramic plates especially for the show, which will also feature a
collection of work by German potter, Mirjam Rickert, who has lived in Nakaoyama for
2 years and works alongside Seigo Yoshimura and Mrs Murakami. “I wanted to give the exhibition some
context, and show how this special place is becoming something of a global
artistic community underpinned by centuries of artistic expertise and
tradition.” Each ceramic piece comes with its own custom wooden box, beautifully
crafted by local artisans, a tradition which stretches back as long as
Nakaoyama’s porcelain ceramics.
A large-scale bamboo and porcelain installation is the centerpiece of
Hooper’s exhibition. 260 of her hand-cast porcelain fish dangle delicately on antique
silk thread overhead from a suspended boat, created by Carleton Vaux. With this
collaborative work the artist invites her audience to interact, encouraging
them to cut away a fish to keep, in exchange for something of their own in its
place. This transformative work is a sociological insight into the value we
place on art and nature and it explores the idea that the ‘cost’ we place on
things should not necessarily be monetary.
Itadakimasu
Opening
night: Saturday
6th September 6 – 8pm
Exhibition
Dates: Wednesday
3rd September – Saturday 20th September, 11am-4pm
White
Canvas Gallery
26 Church
Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, 4006
georginahooperart.com