En Iwamura’s Totemic Figures Enchant Almine Rech Shanghai

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As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for art and history, I found En Iwamura’s latest exhibition at Almine Rech, titled ‘Glances and Echoes,’ to be an exhilarating journey through time and culture. Having traversed countless virtual realms in my gaming escapades, the real-world exploration of artistic tropes from ancient Japan resonated deeply with me.

After unveiling a fresh collection with The-Art-Form, Japanese artist En Iwamura is displaying his newest solo exhibit titled Glances and Echoes at Almine Rech’s Shanghai gallery. This exhibition features a collection of pieces that draw part of their inspiration from the artist’s recent parenthood, evoking a feeling of innocent curiosity in each ceramic sculpture and drawing done with ink.

As a history student, Iwamura delves into artistic themes of olden times, crafting vibrant, handmade busts that evoke ancient Japanese artistry, ranging from the Jomon era (around 14,000 to 300 BCE) to terra cotta haniwa figures from the Kofun period (between 300 and 538 CE). The core principle of Japanese philosophy known as Ma – the concept of space between things – is integral to Iwamamura’s work, promoting a sense of tranquility and wonder through his colorful sculptures. Furthermore, his creations stimulate introspection in viewers, encouraging them to reflect on the objects that fill our daily existence.

Iwamura expressed his eagerness, stating, “It’s always thrilling for me to exhibit my work for the first time in different countries and regions. This is because I am deeply fascinated by various cultures, and I’m equally intrigued to understand how my art will be perceived wherever it’s displayed.

Glances and Echoes will be on view in Shanghai until December 28, 2024.

Almine Rech
27 Huqiu Road, Floor 2,
200002 Shanghai, China

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2024-11-04 22:55