Shiori Horie, A Breath Away

With the support of the Tokyu Foundation, Shiori Horie, A Breath Away showcases the achievements of the artist’s overseas training. Granted by her distinction as the Most Promising Young Talent Prize in the Fine Arts Division of the 26th Goto Memorial Cultural Award, the exhibition will take place across three venues in Tokyo. Beginning April 3, 2021, the exhibition will open in √K Contemporary and its B1F exhibition space, Space √K. From the first-ever portraits, Horie created during her time overseas to the photographs she took during her days in Paris. original book cover designs and illustrations, the exhibition presents a variety of works that showcase Horie’s developments throughout the years.

4/3 (sat) ― 4/17 (sat) 5/5 (wed) 　Space √K（√K Contemporary B1F）
4/3 (sat) ― 5/15 (sat) 　√K Contemporary
5/29 (sat) ― 6/12 (sat) 　Kashima Arts Co., Ltd

Organizer｜The Tokyu Foundation

Co-operators｜Sei-Rin, √K Contemporary and Kashima Arts Co., Ltd.

【The Space √K (B1F) Exhibition has been Extended!】
Due to popular demand, we have decided to extend the exhibition period of our B1F exhibit. We’re open throughout Golden Week, so be sure to visit during then. Please note that the B1F will be closed on April 20 and 21. During those days, visitors are welcome to see the exhibition on the 1F and 2F.

Shiori Horie studied Japanese painting at Tama Art University and developed her unique aesthetic whilst studying traditional styles and techniques. Her works are sensitive and delicate, and a sharp vigor purveys through the seeming tranquility of her works. At her first solo exhibition in Kashima Arts in 2014, Horie presented paintings of animals and still life. Profound compassion emanates through the great detail and attention Horie dedicates to her subjects. Tranquil, delicate and ephemeral, you can almost feel Horie’s subjects breathe life. Even further, through the empathy Horie maintains towards her subjects, Horie’s works reflect her own inner tension between strength and vulnerability.

Horie’s first venture to human portraiture came with her return from Paris. In her newfound exploration of these motifs, Horie’s figurative works begs viewers to wonder, what does she express through the human “gaze”? Is it immutability or fragility?

Ultimately, while one may never understand how Horie perceives her subjects, these enigmatic qualities within her work are perhaps what gives them their unique shape. Please witness Horie’s developments that spans far beyond technical mastery.

【Artist Statement】

To be just A Breath Away

I began making art because I wanted to render what I truly liked, and I wanted to give substance to their inner essence. I am allergic to organic solvents. Because I cannot paint with oils, acrylics, or any material containing chemical substances, I specialized in Japanese painting and painted only with paints and pigments derived solely from minerals (such as iwa-enogu) or other natural materials, washi paper, and glue. To me, natural pigments represent far more than materials for painting, rather, like a cell, they form the things you like by giving them substance.

When making art, I begin by placing a subject before my eyes, drawing closer, and rendering through continual direct observation. Although the subject is always in front of me, parts of it remain out of sight. By continuing this dialogue over an extended period, I want to draw in closer and catch a hint of their quiet voice. This is what inspired my exhibition title, A Breath Away.

Those who are hurt, wounded, or hold sadness and distress are what draw my attention. These are the things I found in the animals, stones, and dolls I have previously depicted in my work. However, when I went to Paris, people became a motif I wanted to face in my work.

I feel anxious about those who are silenced and, made to conform to their surroundings, forced to sacrifice their true intentions. Looking back in history, such cases are widely evident. Those who spoke quietly were undermined, while those who disagree have been ostracized by society. The voices of “those pained, saddened and distressed”. A voice is likely to be trodden over by society. For the first time, I wanted to paint people because I wanted to hear these voices. I paint them, not only to empathize with them but to be alongside them in their crusade. I want to keep reaching closer to those who are not here and to come.

Shiori Horie

【The Gotoh Memorial Cultural Award】

The Gotoh Memorial Cultural Award was founded in 1990 to honor outstanding newcomers in the fields of arts and culture to commemorate the achievements of the late Tokyu Group chief, Noboru Goto, who strived to create a rich living environment. The Gotoh Memorial Cultural Award (Outstanding New Artist Award / Outstanding New Artist Award in Opera) is awarded to the young artists who represent the next generation in the fields of art and opera and provides grants for overseas studies, and a subsequent commemorative exhibition showcasing their achievements. This exhibition is subsidized as part of the commemorative exhibition.

【On Visitation and Entry】
Visitors are asked to co-operate with temperature checks, hand sanitization, and mask-wearing to uphold countermeasures against the coronavirus. To avoid overcrowding, admission might be temporarily restricted.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.