YUKA TSURUNO GALLERY is pleased to announce a solo exhibition by Maiko Kasai entitled Neighbor's Garden from August 24 (Sat) until September 21 (Sat), 2013.
Maiko Kasai (b. 1983) incorporates narratives of her own devising into landscapes that we encounter every day, hinting at the necessary training and practice required to exist in those imaginary worlds, as well as the aspects of those narratives that are ordinarily suppressed by society. Her paintings, distinguished by bold compositions that make deft use of blank space and powerful, dynamic brushstrokes, feature a cast of unique motifs evoking all sorts of stories and narratives, such as young girls brandishing a variety of weapons, or stuffed rabbit figures. These characters, however, are sometimes intentionally depicted in an abstract manner using improvised, random brushstrokes and vague compositions and colors, as if they were being assimilated and absorbed into the background - a strategy that ushers the viewer even deeper into a fictional, imaginary realm. The young girls that face off intensely against one another in Kasai's narratives harbor all sorts of inner conflicts within them. Alternatively, they might be seen as avatars for modern, present-day people confronting various problems in today's society. This is Kasai's first solo exhibition at the gallery in two and a half years, showcasing works in a range of different sizes. We hope you take this chance to view these new works, filled with a remarkable intensity and sense of exhilaration.

Opening Reception for the Artist: August 23, 18:00 - 20:00