Metropolis Japan

“Black Water” by Alia Sugawara – Art Exhibition at SAI

Aug 23, 2024 at 11:00am ~ Sep 08, 2024 at 8:00pm

For a limited time, you can view the new solo art exhibition of sumi-e artist Alia Sugawara titled “Black Water”, at the Art Gallery SAI in Shibuya MIYASHITA PARK. This will be her largest exhibition to date, and it is composed entirely of brand new works.

Alia Sugawara expresses the sensations that arise from her personal life using Japanese paper and ink. Her unique approach to production draws out the appeal of the medium to its fullest potential, and her works have attracted many fans. During a creative period of isolation, she was fascinated by the scent of ink and the permanence of color, so she began using such aspects in her works, which are an output for the images inside her mind. This method of expression is carried over to this exhibition.

The title of the exhibition, “Black Water,” comes from an inspiration she got while washing her brushes during her creative process. The ink dissolves in water and turns a soft black, enveloping the surroundings. The new works on display are based on the theme of the anxiety and curiosity that arise from this “dark water,” and feature delicate depictions of the life and objects that inhabit that world.

In addition to her previous style, this exhibition incorporates traditional styles such as hanging scrolls, furosaki folding screens, and scrolls of various sizes. This evolution creates a different depth to the atmosphere of traditional beauty of style.

“Black Water” is a simple yet calm space that provides a little distance from the everyday, allowing you to enjoy the details while slowly facing the artworks. Visit this exhibition for a deep, artistic insight to human experience and emotion.