We are happy to announce Of Rice and Cotton, an exhibition by Vieno James, as a result of his activity during his stay at Studio Kura.
Vieno James is an artist based in New York. He is currently attending The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, NYC for a BFA in Fine Arts. His work has been exhibited in the United State (Atlanta and Savannah, GA). His work’s goals are to break down the barriers of racism, cultural exclusivity, classism, and whitewashed history.
Words from artist: “Man and Nature – Foreground and Background .. They are one and the same. As we grow, we experience phases of assimilation and accommodation to the foreign. My work explores identity and interpretation of experience through composed fragments of information. These explorations lead to the disintegration of the social constructs of race, cultural exclusivity, classism, and whitewashed history. The work is created from found objects, imagery and text from a variety of printed material, and the use of motifs from neo-expressionism.”
Here are some words from the artist himself.
Through my personal experiences and research before and during my stay in Japan, I made many discoveries that had me question the lines that divide people and nations. These discoveries include the dissolving of race, the fluidity of culture, similarities between national histories, and the commonalities of language. Inspired by this knowledge I created works that reference traditional Japanese figurative paintings, American neo-expressionism, manga, basketball culture, hip hop culture, and the history of Japanese and American slaves, peasants, farmers, and rebels.
With this material choice, subject matter, and language, I strive to show my process of understanding the world around me.
Vieno James “Of Rice and Cotton”
Date: June 25 (Saturday) & 26 (Sunday), 11:00 to 19:00, free entrance
* We will hold an artist talk and opening party on Saturday the 25th, starting at 15:30.
* Exhibitions by other 6 artists (Betty Susiarjo, Emilie Lang, Alexander James Romero, Zac Grenfell, Ruby Silvious, Ashley Yeo Yakka) will be held during the same exhibition period.