The Ephemeral Kyoka Katori

The Ephemeral: Kyoka Katori Solo Exhibition
Jan 30th - Feb 6th, 2024

Artist Reception
Feb 3rd, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

:iidrr Gallery is pleased to announce the painter Kyoka Katori’s first solo exhibition in New York, "The Ephemeral", an exploration of the complexities of modern womanhood, weaving a narrative that blends the aesthetics of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e with the dramatic intensity of Baroque art. Her artistic expression forms a distinctive visual language, resonating with the essence of contemporary femininity.

Katori's introspective and symbolic approach navigates through imagery that gracefully dances between vulnerability and strength, outer allure and internal turmoil. Her paintings are not just visual representations, but becoming vessels infused with layers of meaning. Each element is carefully chosen to evoke emotions and provoke thought. The recurring motifs of women, butterflies, and contrasting artistic styles are more than mere subjects; they are vehicles for expressing the multifaceted nature of women's experiences in today's world.

With 10 digital and oil paintings Katori finished recently, her introspective and symbolic approach navigates through imagery that gracefully dances between vulnerability and strength, external allure and internal conflict. Her paintings are not just visual representations but are imbued with layers of meaning, each element carefully chosen to evoke emotions and provoke thought. The recurring motifs of women, butterflies, and contrasting artistic styles are more than mere subjects; they are vehicles for expressing the multifaceted nature of women's experiences in today's world.

In "Ephemeral," Kyoka Katori delves deep into the soul of modern womanhood, intertwining vulnerability with strength, and external allure with internal complexity. The centerpiece, "Cocoon," along with "Deep River," both board prints, epitomize this duality. In "Cocoon," a woman adorned with symbolic tattoos embodies the struggle between traditional femininity and contemporary challenges, juxtaposing delicate ukiyo-e grace with Baroque intensity. "Deep River" complements this with its portrayal of women in a serene, dark river, symbolizing introspection and the profound depths of the female psyche.

The exhibition continues this exploration with "Frame" and "Katori’s Blind Dolls." "Frame" uses the imagery of a woman trapped within a frame to comment on the societal constraints of identity, while "Katori’s Blind Dolls" features blindfolded women, alluding to the unseen struggles faced by women in society, surrounded by whimsical yet meaningful butterflies.

"A Flower is Not a Flower" and "Yuri," both delve into the themes of life's contradictions and beauty's transient nature. "A Flower is Not a Flower," a tribute to Sakamoto Ryuichi, and "Yuri," with its lily in candlelight, represent the beauty and toxicity of existence, inviting viewers to ponder the complex layers of life and the enigmatic nature of beauty.

Katori’s artistic concept is rooted in the juxtaposition of historical and contemporary, East and West, creating a dialogue between different times and cultures. Curated by Annie Chen Ziyao, the co-founder of :iidrr Gallery, this exhibition is a experiment that not only challenges traditional aesthetics but also reflects the contradictions and complexities faced by women in modern society. Through her work, Katori invites viewers to contemplate the delicate balance of existence, where beauty and sorrow coexist, and strength is found in vulnerability.