Takuto Kadokura / 22nd century JEDI
"If there is a spirit, it is there" June 7th — June 29th, 2024
Opening Friday, June 7th from 4:00 - 6:30 PM
"If there is a spirit, it is there" June 7th — June 29th, 2024
Opening Friday, June 7th from 4:00 - 6:30 PM
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Wada Garou Tokyo is thrilled to present our first solo exhibition by Takuto Kadokura/22nd century JEDI “If there is a spirit, it is there”.
Kadokura's flowers bloom freely and pop out so widely that it is easy to forget that they are arranged in a small vase. Though flowers and fruits are mainly the subjects of still life paintings, in Kadokura's works they are flat and full of dynamism, and all the motifs he depicts are the main characters, yet their individuality coexists. Without neglecting to assert themselves, the paintings are full of individuality, as if they are living creatures with feelings. The unique motifs overflowing from the canvas go beyond the clear-cut idea that flowers are beautiful, and seem to move as if they are leaping towards us. This is due to the folklore research of Shinobu Orikuchi, who Kadokura says had a great influence on him. The Japanese custom of welcoming ‘Marebito’, deities from another world, with festivals and inviting them to return is mirrored in Kadokura's work, in which flowers are painted as something that ‘comes from’ a vase, in other words, as an object of reverence. ARTIST STATEMENT For a long time, I have been working in the fashion industry. I have a special attachment to the runways of fashion shows. Twice a year, people parade through the streets in strange outfits, like a night parade of a hundred demons. In Japan, there are visiting deities such as the Namahage of Akita and the Paantu of Miyakojima, who come from the afterlife at certain times of the year to threaten people's daily lives and perceptions, and these deities were named 'Marebito' by Shinobu Orikuchi. There are various theories as to the meaning that people attach to this event, but it seems that since ancient times people have found important meaning in the act of violently disrupting the everyday and shaking up common sense. There are many strange coincidences with the runway, where the latest fashions are unveiled, and it can't help but feel like a festival with a similar role. Flowers and vases feel like they have a similar role to play. A certain number of people feel that the flowers look like faces and eyes, which is frightening. I am one of them. They are beautiful, but at the same time strange and frightening. When you see flowers in a vase, it is as if the flowers have come to you, using the vase as a passageway. If there is a spirit, it is there. Since both the flowers and the runway are instantaneous entities of the moment, it is hard not to feel that they are somehow connected. For me, that is reason enough to keep them in my painting. The title of the painting is taken from the Palais idéal du facteur Cheval. Although it has nothing to do with the content of the painting, I just always wanted to be like Cheval. PROFILE Takuto Kadokura / 22nd century JEDI Born in Saitama, Japan, got a BA in Scenography, Display and Fashion Design from Musashino Art University. While working as a patterner at Comme des Garçons, he created a necklace with a motif of his favourite anime, Precure, and presented it on SNS as ‘22nd century JEDI’. After becoming independent, he pursued expression based on the theme of ‘things to come’ in his paintings presented under the name ‘Takuto Kadokura’. He paints uniquely shaped plants and figures, using exquisite composition and colour combinations to fill the picture plane, captivating the viewer with an addictive appeal. INFORMATION
A solo exhibition by Takuto Kadokura / 22nd century JEDI June 7th — June 29th, 2024 Opening Friday, June 8th from 4:00 - 6:30 pm Tuesday - Saturday 1:00 – 6:30 PM Wada Garou Tokyo Matsuzawa 10 Bldg. 3F, 3-5-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 1040061 Tel/Fax：03-6263-2404 ｜ Email：[email protected] 
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