Shoko FUKUDA's Solo Exhibition - "The Artistry of Weaving"

We started off the first show in 2024 in February, exhibiting the fascinating and meticulously handwoven art objects by Japanese artist Shoko FUKUDA between 23rd February - 10th March. The exhibition title was "The Artistry of Weaving".

Introduction of Shoko FUKUDA:

I am interested in exploring characteristics of basketweaving and the phenomena produced by weaving to create my artwork. The thread is coiled around a core, layers are created, and a three-dimensional structure is raised. In each of these processes, diverse structures are created by changing the materials and weaving methods for each piece. In creating the form, a rhythm of lines is created by repetitive motion and I am able to draw a continuous, supple curve in space.

Biography

• 1977 Born in Hyogo, Japan
• 1999 Graduated from Waseda University, Theater major
• 2006 Graduated from Kyoto University of the Arts, Fine Arts, Dyeing and Weaving
• 2018 The Nature of Things: Contemporary Japanese Woven Sculpture (NY, U.S.A.)
• 2019 The Exhibition of Japanese Fiber Art "Basketry" (Vilnius, Lithuania)
• 2021 Solo Exhibition (GALLERYGALLERY, Kyoto, Japan
• 2022 sanwacompany Art Award / Art in The House 2022 finalist (Osaka, Japan) Crowdsourcing the Collective: a survey of textiles and mixed media art (U.S.A)
• 2023 KOGEI collaboration 1+1project (HILLSIDE FORUM, Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design); Cheongju Craft Biennale Special Prize (Culture Factory, Cheongju, Korea)
• 2024 International Fiber Art Exhibition (Janina Monkute-Marks Art Museum, Kedainiai, Lithuania)

Before the commencement of the exhibition, we're glad that FUKUDA made her trip from Tokyo to Melbourne for the opening event held on 28th February. Though it's just a 3 days short trip and also the very first visit to Australia for her, Melbourne has brought FUKUDA a wonderful memory and she had enjoyed many great moments chatting with the guests who came on the opening day.

FUKUDA had specially created 3 art objects handwoven with gold threads and decorated with beige and brown lacquers along the contours for her Melbourne solo exhibition, which was her first attempt in applying these elements into her works.

- "Traced Contour Ⅺ" and "Traced Contour Ⅻ"

- "Uneven Corners Ⅲ"

- "Uneven Corners Ⅳ"

FUKUDA's original and creative art objects are developed through her interests in observing the nature and live animals. Our guests had told us that it's really interesting and intriguing to view FUKUDA's works because they have reminded them something that they have seen before or are familiar with - such as sea animals, bugs in the forest, or even how the internal ear looks like. Yes! Each of these impressions is absolutely right and true! It's magical that the organic and natural flows and contours of FUKUDA's artworks also reflect and imply the individuality of each single living creature, including human beings. And so, each individual sees things differently.

Except for the above 3 special pieces, FUKUDA also brought her signature works using white and transparent ramie and monofilament. One of the enjoyments when viewing her works is to observe from 360 degrees, from downward directions to upward directions, from upward to downward, from far to close, from diagonal to upright, etc. Each single angle is a new fantasy world to you.

- "Crossed Helix Ⅹ"

- "Crossed Helix Ⅷ"

- "Helix"

- "Traced Contour XIII"

During the exhibition, we're thrilled to have meet many lovely guests, who were local weaving artists from the Melbourne Weaving Room, the photographer from National Geographic, textile and fibre artists, art and antique collectors, etc. It's always our true pleasure to create a space to share and deliver unique Japanese arts and crafts and cultures to Melbourne. Thank you so much for the unwavering supports!

Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude to the artist Shoko FUKUDA for curating an amazing show with us and joining us for the opening event. It's our great pleasure to be the first gallery in the Southern Hemisphere to hold a solo exhibition for FUKUDA! Arigatou-gozaimasu!