Bitter Sweet - The Exhibition - Reception Today, August 25, 2023 - 6 to 8 pm at the Tenri Cultural Institute, New York
Japan Contemporaries | Series 2
BITTER SWEET
Curated by Motoichi Adachi and Kyoko Sato
Artists:
Joseph Ralph Fraia, Koyuki Sakamoto, Sugako Hamazaki, Tomo, Yoko Morishita, Ola Rondiak.
Reception: Today, Friday, August 25, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tenri Cultural Institute, New York | 43A W 13th St, New York, NY 10011
THE EXHIBITION
“Bittersweet” is the title of the group exhibition curated by Motoichi Adachi and Kyoko Sato in the heart of the Greenwich Village in New York at the prestigious Tenri Cultural Institute, and that features renowned New York artists Joseph Fraia and Ola Rondiak and the absolute US debut of four Japanese artists: Koyuki Sakamoto, Sungako Hamazaki, Yomo, and Yoko Morishita.
Why “Bittersweet,” you might wonder. Well, what does bittersweet mean? Sweet with a bitter aftertaste. Pleasant, but including or marked by elements of suffering or regret.
The purpose of this art show is, then, to display artworks that express the beauty that comes from struggles, challenges, social constraints, life choices, and internal dilemmas.
Should we appreciate art and beauty more or less when we learn they express a reaction to pain, sadness, and worry?
Human nature is always interesting and intriguing. When we face ugliness, we seek beauty; when we suffer rudeness, we look for kindness; when we witness violence, we advocate for gentleness and compassion. Isn't that bittersweet?
Each of the artists featured in this exhibition expresses in his/her own way the experiences and the consequences of those struggles, challenges, social constraints, life choices, and internal dilemmas, and show us an uplifting and inspiring attitude towards life: no matter what you are going through, you can find purpose in creating beauty, for yourself and for others, you can draw from the well of your authentic, genuine Self, speak your truth, and donate it to the World to see. Somebody will see, will recognize that beauty, and maybe be inspired to be kinder, gentler, more loving.
THE ARTISTS
Joseph Ralph Fraia, born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1976, is a talented artist who specializes in fine art photography. He is also an accomplished writer and storyteller. As a resident artist at the renowned Salmagundi Club in New York City, Fraia has established himself within the art community. Additionally, he holds the position of chief editor and senior contributor at Livein Magazine and contributes as a writer and photo reporter for various international publications. Fraia’s photographic work encompasses a unique blend of styles and subjects, all with the intention of conveying profound and meaningful messages. His images seek to highlight the inherent beauty and purpose that can be found in every corner of the world.
Joseph Ralph Fraia, an American of Italian descent, holds a perspective that Eastern women are seen as exotic, mysterious, graceful, opulent, and seductive from a Western viewpoint. He believes this captivating allure will endure even as globalization blurs the lines between East and West. Against the backdrop of notable instances of violence targeting Asian women in pandemic-stricken America, Fraia's perspective on appreciating Asian women becomes particularly valuable. It offers insight into cultural perceptions, challenges stereotypes, and emphasizes the importance of respect and appreciation for diverse cultures in fostering a more inclusive society.
Joseph Ralph Fraia
Ola Rondiak, born in 1966, is a visual artist with bases in Kyiv, Ukraine, New York City, and Miami. Her artistic focus lies in contemporary portraits of women, which serve as metaphors of strength and determination. Additionally, her sculptures symbolize unity and healing. Rondiak has held solo exhibitions at prominent venues such as Ukrainian House in Washington, DC, The Gallery in New York, John William Gallery in Wilmington, Delaware, and Vodianov Studio in Kyiv, Ukraine. Notable group exhibitions featuring her work include LA Art Show (2023), Art Palm Beach (2023), Art Market Hamptons (2022), Palm Beach Modern & Contemporary (2022), Context Art Miami (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), and the Hudson River Museum of Art (2020). Her artworks have been acquired by esteemed institutions, including the Museum of Revolution and Dignity in Kyiv, Ukraine; the Embassy of Ukraine in Bern, Switzerland; the Shevchenko Museum & National Museum of Decorative Arts in Khaniv, Ukraine; the Embassy of Ukraine in Paris; and the Hudson River Museum in New York City. Notably, Rondiak's mural in Kyiv's historic district has become a symbol of the burgeoning street art movement in the city.
Koyuki Sakamoto, born in 1991 in Fukui Prefecture to a Korean father and Japanese mother, is a renowned artist and pastry chef. In 2008, she won the first BS Fuil Sweets Koshien competition and graduated from Kobe International Culinary Arts College of Confectionery in 2011. In 2018, while managing a cake decorating school in Fukui Prefecture, she began pioneering a new genre by creating sugar art on canvas using sugar as a pigment. She held solo exhibitions at various shrines in Japan, including Hashiudo Shrine, Ryujo Shrine, Zenchidori Shrine, and Keya Kokuryu Shrine. In addition, she exhibited her work at the Hankyu Umeda main store in Osaka in 2021 and 2010. Since 2020, she has gained popularity for her live painting performances at World Art Dubai for three consecutive years.
Koyuki Sakamoto has ventured beyond the realm of cakes to create a unique genre of sugar art on large canvases. While sugar is typically associated with sweetness rather than bitterness, her artistic creations transcend conventional boundaries. Her motifs predominantly draw inspiration from animals found in Oriental legends, such as dragons and Suzaku, without featuring any Western counterparts. The color palette she employs consists of pastel shades, exuding brightness, and gentleness while intentionally avoiding any elements of darkness or harshness. Interestingly, the cake decorations she incorporates originate from the West, resulting in a fascinating convergence of Eastern and Western influences in her work.
Koyuki Sakamoto
Sugako Hamazaki, a distinguished designer, was born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1960 and is currently based in Hiroshima. With a notable career spanning decades, she worked as a designer at Hakuhodo until 1991 and received esteemed awards such as the Chugoku Shimbun Advertising Planning Award and Tetra Pak International's "Design of the Year" Grand Prize. In recent years, Hamasaki has led the design course "Jugi no Sho" and contributed to the title production for the TV program "A Year at the Place of Prayer," centered around Hiroshima's atomic bombing. She has held impressive solo exhibitions at renowned venues, both domestically and internationally, including Hiroshima Mitsukoshi Gallery, Hakone Fujiya Hotel, Uno Royal Museum, Gatoh, Wwasou, and Daishoin. Her international presence expanded through exhibitions at art fairs in Paris, Dubai, and SCOPE Miami Beach.
Sugako Hamazaki resides in a city deeply affected by the aftermath of World War II. Hiroshima, along with Nagasaki, experienced the devastating impact of the atomic bombs dropped by the United States, leaving a lasting shadow of cruelty in the lives of its people. In the years following the war, efforts were made to rebuild and bring hope amidst the darkness that enveloped the city. Hamasaki incorporates the "foils" that emerged during this postwar period into her paintings as artistic materials.
The central theme of her work revolves around capturing the last sights, represented by light, witnessed by those who tragically lost their lives in the river immediately following the atomic bombing, symbolizing the darkness of that tragic event. Through her paintings, she expresses the essence of light, serving as a testament to the resilience and spirit of those affected by the darkness of that period in history.
Sugako Hamazaki
Tomo, born in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1977, is an accomplished artist. After graduating from Daito Bunka University in 1999 with a BA in Chinese Literature and a teaching license in Japanese Language and Calligraphy, Tomo began teaching calligraphy classes in 2011. Notably, her artwork has been exhibited at Salon Art Shopping Paris (2021, 2022, Carrousel de Louvre), and she held a solo exhibition at Etienne Causans Gallery in 2022. She also participated in World Art Dubai (2022) and the group exhibition "JAPAN TIDE" at the National Museum of Singapore (2022).
Tomo's artistry embraces the use of Japanese calligraphy ink, rooted in China, and coffee from Ethiopia, associated with Islamic culture, as her unique painting materials. This fusion allows her to incorporate influences from both the East (China) and the Middle East (Islamic culture). Furthermore, Tomo includes depictions of the Buddhist "Heart Sutra" originating from India, showcasing the cultural impact of South Asia. While the historical focus was often on the exchange between the East and West, Tomo's artwork unveils a broader cultural presence. Her creations illuminate the profound influence not only of the East and West but also of the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. This recognition underscores the extensive range of diverse cultural expressions, illustrating the interconnectedness of regions and their valuable artistic contributions to the global stage.
Tomo
Yoko Morishita, born in Kagawa, Japan, in 1972 and currently based in Tokyo. After graduating from Saga University of Art and Design in Kyoto in 1994, she embarked on her career as a designer and illustrator. Around 2017, she became an artist, focusing on expressing women's emotional liberation while establishing her own company to empower women. Since 2019, Morishita has held three solo exhibitions and a performance in Tokyo, including the noteworthy "50 Onna no backs YOLO FES" exhibition (2022) organized by her company, Coco Designs, Inc. She has also performed at Kyojin Shrine in Kyoto and participated in the ATC OSAKA ART exhibition in Osaka in 2022. Additionally, she showcased her work at World Art Dubai and has upcoming exhibitions planned in Kazakhstan and New York. With 17,000 followers on Instagram, Morishita continues to captivate audiences with her artistic journey.
Yoko Morishita's artistic theme centers around the "liberation of women's minds." Throughout history, our society has been predominantly male-centered, and breaking free from these long-standing conventions requires time, ingenuity, and concerted effort. Her approach and artwork, shaped by her own Japanese background and personal experiences, go beyond portraying women as a mere contrast to men. Instead, she offers a direct and unapologetic exploration of female beauty.
Morishita's work is attuned to the growing recognition and appreciation of women in art. By aligning with the natural demands of the current era, her art serves as an act of empowerment and encouragement for women. It reflects a sensitivity towards the evolving role and visibility of women, contributing to the ongoing narrative of female empowerment and challenging societal norms.
Yoko Morishita
THE GALLERY
Tenri Cultural Institute is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote the study of the Japanese language and the appreciation of international art forms. The Institute hosts a variety of traditional and contemporary cultural programs in our modern, spacious educational facility, performing arts, and exhibition space.
Conveniently located in the heart of Greenwich Village, the center of New York City's educational and artistic communities, Tenri Cultural Institute is a beautiful cultural oasis amidst the hustle and bustle that is New York City.
Tenri Cultural Institute has a 30-year history in the celebration of Japanese and Western culture. By providing our audience with a traditional and unique point of view on understanding culture and the arts, we fulfill our mission: To foster cultural understanding, harmony, and community.
THE CURATORS
"I cut through the art world with the sensibility that has long been active in the world of Japanese television. We want to bring a new wind of free and unrestrained ideas to a world that values old traditions. Beautiful works are beautiful, and interesting works are interesting, even if they are not from famous art universities or patronized by influential galleries. We want to let attractive artists run amok in the world. I would like to try an unconventional challenge this time."
Motoichi Adachi
When we translate the term "Bitter-sweet" into Japanese, it encompasses the essence of ambiguous Japanese culture and language. In Japanese, the translation of "sweet" does not have a direct equivalent but rather implies a sense of "somehow" or "mildly." On the other hand, in English, the terms "bitter" and "sweet" are used together to describe the simultaneous experience of pleasure and suffering that arises when contrasting tastes are combined. Until now, our world has been understood in terms of dualism based on Western philosophy. Body and soul, yin and yang, moon and sun, woman and man, peace and war, front and back, success and failure, West and East, wealth and poverty, ordinary and extraordinary, positive and negative...
But can we really be divided by this dualism? In New York, same-sex marriage was legally recognized in 2011, followed by LGBTQ human rights. So this trend is right because everyone has the right to be happy no matter what gender they are. Children are also being educated about gender rights. And some children have the idea of "gender fluid." They say that regardless of the body they have, sometimes they are a woman, and sometimes they are a man. In other words, they are in the middle, coming and going between genders, and cannot be divided by dualism. Perhaps our world is moving toward a world of "ambiguity," as in Japanese culture.
Kyoko Sato