Connections exhibition - つなぐ
Curation and Words by Alison Groves
Works on Paper by Enna Konoma
Ceramic Vessels by Ai Nagai
This exhibition presents the works of two early career Japanese artists: painter and illustrator Enna KONOMA, and ceramicist Ai NAGAI.
As a second language, Japanese is so distant to English that any mnemonic is a good one. The word for ‘connect’ – tsunagu – bears an aural resemblance to ‘snug’ – which in turn suggests cosiness, closeness, and comfort. The works presented in this exhibition are invitations to connect with Myoko-kogen. We invite you to hold Ai’s vessels and search for subtle tactile variations she describes. Take a moment of free association akin to the process in Enna’s abstractions, and explore the mountain from the comfort of the warm interior. Finally, if it’s not yet in your inventory of Japanese words, please accept tsunagu and enjoy your connection with Myoko-kogen.
This exhibition is curated by Alison Groves, an Australian arts writer and curator currently based in Tajimi, Japan. Alison was formerly Curator of The Japan Foundation Gallery; Programmer of The Japanese Film Festival Australia; and previously taught in the art theory and design programs at UNSW Art and Design.
