Panel two - Selected by Rumi FUKABORI
Curator Comment by FUKABORI Rumi about “Botanical Workshop” by GO Yiqi
First, I would like to explain the word ‘cultivate’, which is the theme of this postcard exhibition. The words ‘to grow’, ‘to nurture’, and ‘to foster’ are synonyms. In summary, it means ‘something grows’. It is related not only to plants and farming but also ‘people's activities’ and ‘spiritual growth’.
This work expresses the theme as a whole by arranging ‘growing’ related motifs of various plants etc. on the entire picture plane. However, there are also motifs that grow with people, such as ‘plants in flowerpots’ and ‘mountains’. From these, we can grasp ‘cultivate’ in the broad sense of the word I mentioned earlier.
Also, this theme of ‘cultivate’ is a matter that is very important in modern Japan. Nowadays, the number of people who appreciate or purchase works of Japanese artists is decreasing because the works of Japanese artists are flowing overseas or are not evaluated correctly. I think that the theme necessary for the contemporary Japanese art market is ‘cultivate’. It is important to ‘cultivate’ values and ‘nurture’ the mind, in contact with art.
Curator Comment by FUKABORI Rumi about “Geometry” by Pascal PUGH
As you can see, this three-dimensional work has colorful wire or something like yarn in a white framework.
I think that these elements can be associated with the ‘internal structure’ of something such as a ‘skeleton’, ‘cell’, or ‘something composed’.
In other words, it can be said that ‘cultivate’ in this work is ‘growth, birth and development’. Not only specific objects such as a motif of growth or a motif reminiscent of cultivation, but even the fact that ‘state of cultivation’ is expressed as a three-dimensional work can be said to be related to the theme of ‘cultivate’.
GO Yiqi (Artist)
Born in China, She is enrolled in the Concentration in Sculpture at Joshibi University of Art and Design. She often does wire knitting and shaping.
Pascal PUGH (Artist)
Born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire England. He is enrolled in the Art and Design Foundation Studies Course at Loughborough University. He often makes 3D designs.
FUKABORI Rumi (Curator)
Born in Chiba Prefecture. She is enrolled in the Concentration in Art and Culture at Joshibi University of Art and Design. She belongs to the Japanese Art History Seminar, and the Art Representation Seminar. She is influenced by the artist Kuniyoshi Utagawa.