Upcoming Exhibitions:

Kaname Sakuma

May 18 - June 7, 2013

Opening reception 5-7pm, Saturday, May 18, 2013

Beads art by Kaname Sakuma

Kaname Sakuma was born in 1971. After he graduated from Nagoya Art College with a degree in Painting, he worked as a graphic designer and art director. Recently, he started exhibiting his own artwork. In his art, he aspires to pursue visual effects and at the same time, strives to find the various limits of art and design. His recent exhibitions include Guild Gallery in Osaka, and Foil Gallery in Kyoto, Japan.

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Past Exhibitions:

Mitutaka Konagi

March 16 - April 5, 2013

Reception: Saturday, March 16, 5 - 7pm*

*Please RSVP at info@themakari.com for the reception.

Mitsutaka Konagi is a sculptor born and raised in Japan. He has been living and working in New York since 2006. Konagi is interested in nature, old architecture and ancient ruins ­something he became familiar with through his experience of working as a stone carver restoring landmarks and historical buildings in New York. Kongai treasures the original colors and textures of the materials he uses for his pieces, such as clay, wood and stone. Currently Konagi works from his studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

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New Kirie (Japanese paper cutting Artwork) by Junko Yamada

January 19 - February 8, 2013

Reception: January 19, 5 - 7pm*

*Please RSVP at info@themakari.com for the reception.

Shirakawago

Nestled in the remote mountains of Gifu Prefecture, along the Shirakawa river lies a village that seems to live outside time. Shirakawago has been one of my “dream” places to visit for a long time. Its unique style of houses and amazing deep green mountain forests inspires me with a feeling of mystery and nostalgia. Within this atmosphere of unspoiled nature live the Shirakawago people. These people are imbued with a wisdom beyond the technology of modern life to a deeper understanding of everyday life and living with nature. Taken together this makes Shirakawago a very special place.

Finally, in the autumn of 2010 my sister and her family took me to Shirakawago. We left home in Nagoya very early in the morning to avoid traffic and beat the crowd of visitors who would also be visiting this UNESCO world heritage site. We arrived early in the crisp and fresh mountain air with almost nobody but us to enjoy the village waking up. This quiet moment at Shirakawago was very precious and it set my mind to wondering if this was not how someone living in Shirakawago felt a couple of centuries ago. I looked around and saw houses that have been preserved for over 300 years. When you walk around Shirakawago, you truly feel transported back in time. The air is too fresh and the streams are too clear to believe that they can exist in the polluted world of the 21st century. Best of all some of the houses in Shirakawago are open to the public, giving you a firsthand view of how these people have lived for centuries. There are tatami on the floor with a huge fireplace in the middle of living room. The unique style of architecture, constructed out of dark aged wood was like something out of a fairy tale. I wanted to move in to one of those houses in Shirakawago that day! It was such an amazing experience for me. I knew it would inspire me to make something very special out of our visit there. (see a detail description of Shirakawago on the separate sheet).

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

These streets at the foot of Higashiyama mountain in Kyoto are very charming. One of the most famous temples of that city, Kiyomizu temple, can be found nearby. My very first visit to Kiyomizu temple was on an elementary school trip. When you visit Kiyomizu temple, you will inevitably walk through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. These streets are so beautiful that you will want to visit them over and over again, and are definitely on my “MUST SEE AGAIN” list. In the autumn of 2010, I had the chance to return once again to the temple and streets. It was as stunning as I remembered. Since I have lived in the U.S. for many years now, I miss Japanese authentic scenes like this. I wanted to capture these scenes of old style stores selling ceramics, hot peppers and sweet cakes in my Harie arts. (Please see the detail descriptions of Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka on the separate sheet).

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The Communication Between In and Out by 李粉善 Boonsun Lee
December 27, 2012 - January 16, 2013

Her work is based on tradition and the basic materials. She visualizes her world and express it by using a method called “Casting”. She follows a traditional way, using Kouzo (which is from the tree that becomes a source of Japanese paper). Through her work (IN), she hopes many people realize their own hidden emotion that lives in their mind, stop at their spot, and pursue a new world (OUT). As a result, this becomes the communication bridge.

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“Driving in Cherry Blossom”

misaki matsui Photo Exhibition

Misaki Matsui was born in Kobe, Japan, Studied drawing at The Art Students of League of New York, andphotography at School of Visual Arts and International Center of Photography, Currently lives and works in Brooklyn

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Past Exhibitions and Events:

September 15 - October 6, 2012

Kyung Han Kim was born in South Korea and majored in sculpture at Tama Art University in Japan. He was a judge for a variety of the government and state art competitions. From 1996 to 2009, and was a professor of Space Moulding Department at Busan College of information Technology. He has had fourteen solo exhibitions and four two-person exhibitions in Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Sapporo, Miami, New York and Tel Aviv. He also has participated in over 200 art shows, symposiums, and field organization projects internationally.

His awards include the Grand Prize at International Competition Tannan Art Festival in the City of Fukui Japan in 1995 and Koh Do Art Association of Metropolitan Art Museum Tokyo, Japan in 1993 and many more Artist of the Year Awards and Honorable Mentions at a variety of art show and competitions. His artworks are included in over thirty public collections including Marine City, Centum City in Busan, Sangju Elementary School, Cuncheon Munhwa Broadcasting, Sancheong International Contemporary Sculpture Park, Dentsu Japan and Ramat-Gan Museum, Israel. He currently lives and works in New York, but also maintain a studio in Japan.

The Drawing My recent works are very simple. Ordinary things that dwell around me have been a source of inspiration - language, articles, time, and communication. I process them in the simplest form of drawing. The recoding process of jolly episodes caused by differences of language and communication implies the means of communication and expresses my struggle to overcome stereotypes by drawing with sewing, my minimal expression in the formative arts.

Kyung Han Kim, The Drawing (Detail), Canvas and Hand Stitched Dyed Yarn

Kyung Han Kim, The Drawing, Canvas and Hand Stitched Dyed Yarn

Kyung Han Kim, The Drawing, Canvas and Hand Stitched Dyed Yarn

more photos from opening reception, click HERE

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Recent work: Etching and Chine-Colle Prints

by Sonomi Kobayashi

August 11 – September 6, 2012

Makari Japanese Antiques and Fine Art is pleased to announce “Recent Work: Etching and Chine-Colle Prints” by Sonomi Kobayashi.  The show will feature Sonomi’s new work that are one to multiple copperplate prints.  She mixes techniques of etching, aquatint, sugar lift, open bite, and chine-colle.  This will be Kobayashi’s second solo exhinition at Makari, and her first printmaking exhinition in New York. In her work, she strives to express the relationship between humanity, nature, earth and the universe. More personally, creating artwork for her is meditation and is a reflection of herself, in a moment in time. Viewers often find universality in her artwork, which depict shapes and symbols found in nature. The use of round and circular forms represent the cycle of life and their common occurrence in the universe. The varied colors, fine lines and organic shapes in her art reflect her sensibilities and emotions. These feelings are often uncertain and intimidated by the challenges the future may bring, but ultimately inspired and hopeful.

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大正和菓子のデザイン画展 Taisho Wagashi Design Painting Exhibition

May 5 - 25, 2012

We are exhibiting the original paintings of Wagashi design from Taisho Period. Wagashi is a traditional Japanese seasonal confection, has been enjoyed throughout history in Japan. The chef had designed Wagashi with seasonality regarded in a wide variety of shapes and colors and painted these designs to convey generation after generation.

Origami Collage Painting by Hiromitsu Kuroo

“Stroke”

March 17 - April 13, 2012

Opening Reception: March 17, 5-7pm

Kuroo was a featured artist in the Yamagata Rising Artists Exhibition held in 1999, where he was interviewed on Yamagata TV. In 2002, his Yamaguchi Gallery solo exhibit was featured in Kahoku Newspaper.

He has exhibited at the Uneo Royal Museum, Tokyo (1999), the Ishibashi Museum of Art, Fukuoka (2000), and the KouriyamaMuseum Fukushima (2000). In the United States, he has had solo shows at Bronx Community college, NY (2006), Gloria Kennedy Gallery, NY (2007, 2008 and 2009),Ouch Gallery, NY (2008) and Graphite.NY(2011). He was awarded 2007’s Xaveier Gonzalez and Ethel Edwards Grant at Art Student League and went to Spain. He was awarded Pollock-Krasner foundation Grant (2010).

Hiromitsu Kuroo’s works are held in the permanent collections of Miyagi National School of Technology, Tohuku University of Art and Design, and by the city of Yamagata, Japan. Kuroo lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

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Paintings by Izumi Inoue January 14 – February 3, 2012 Opening reception: Saturday, January 14, 5 - 7pm We are holding a solo exhibition by Izumi Inoue. Having studies painting under the late Toshiyuki Nakamura, who was a conceptual artist in Osaka and Kyoto. Mr Inoue has developed a distinctive and personal style. Interested in expressing personal subject matter, Me Inoue’s artwork focuses on cultuual and social iconographic symbolism while also communicating raw emotions such as anger, frustration, beauty, and confusion.

Painting by Izumi Inoue

Another Green World

The Another Green World paintings are not about the imitation of nature, verisimilitude, nor painting techniques but about collaboration, encounter and the crisscross of nature and my mind, soul and experience. These painting are retreats for my mind and from my everyday life. Its not intended to be truthful to nature, but rather to be a fluid conversation. Through working and creating these paintings, I had the experience of being like a pendulum - some paintings were done without thinking so naturally, innocently its like child’s play, some paintings were created with the struggle of my subjective point of view and what the natural world was expressing. Then I noticed that I should give up and surrender. Nature can’t be conquered even in a painting, only I can conquer or alter my mind set and what I want. Forget about “me-ness”. Just sit back and simply paint, use a lot of water, let the water paint, do no control it, let it be. I found out that Nature/Earth and Sky are my best friend and partner, and that Nature/Earth and Sky are the greatest and the perfect Alchemist in the Universe. It created you and me. Izumi Inoue

Opening Reception

Opening Reception

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Calligraphy Exhibition by Kotaro Hachinohe

November 19 - December 2, 2011

Opening reception: November 19, 2011, 5-7pm

He focuses on the lines and points of a kanji character and reemphasizes them in an artistic expression, he has cultivated a calligraphic art form that transcends the boundaries of time and language.  He’s original words are not only to be appreciated visually, but are also perceived with other senses.

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Recent works by Yumiko Kuga

-酒器と茶器展 Shu-ki and Cha-ki (Sake set and Tea set) Exhibition-

October 29 – November 18, 2011

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 29, 5-7pm

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding the second exhibition by Yumiko Kuga in our gallery. This exhibition features her new series of sake cups and bottles, and tea cups and pots. Her ceramic vessels, which are inspired by organic shapes feature a great variety of beautiful glazing. They are ideal as gifts and for  special occasions or simply for everyday enjoyment. The artist will be present for the opening reception. Yumiko and us would like to cordially invite you to the opening reception on Saturday, October 29, 5-7pm. Please RSVP by sending email to info@themakari.com.

– Pottery by 畑中圭介 Keisuke Hatanaka form Tokoname, Japan September 24 - October 15, 2011 We are happy to introduce Japanese potter, Keisuke Hatanaka, and hold his first New York exhibition. Currently living in Tokoname, a town with a rich history of pottery, Hatanaka’s work has been featured in number of exhibitions in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. His featured works will include his signature creation: unique clay vessels that are both inspired by Japanese animation and traditional culture. The artist will be present in the opening party. More Photos on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/MaKaRi/252035008164587

More Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.265344653500289.69843.252035008164587&l=c2407d08dd&type=1 — Antique Imari Ware and Vegan Baked Goods

We are having an unique collaboration of antique Imari-Yaki ware and vegan baked goods by “as kitchen”.  We will display their vegan baked goods such as cookies, muffins, scones, and macaroons using antique Imari-Yaki plates and bowls. The fresh vegan baked goods are exclusively for sale at Makari on Saturday, June 12, Sunday June 19 and 26.Imari Ware is the Japanese porcelain produced in the locality of Arita in southern Japan and exported around the world through the nearby port of Imari.

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Kakejiku -Japanese Scroll- Exhibition

May 21 - June 11, 2011

We are holding a special exhibition of the antique Japanese kakejiku. Kakejiku is a Japanese scroll painting or calligraphy mounted usually with silk fabric edges on a flexible backing, so that it can be rolled for storage. It is traditionally displayed in the tokonoma alcove of a room especially designed for the display of prized objects. When displayed in a chashitsu (teahouse) for the traditional tea ceremony, the choice of the kakejiku and its complementary flower arrangement help set the spiritual mood of the ceremony. Often the kakejiku used for this will bear calligraphy of a Zen phrase in the hand of a distinguished Zen master.

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西洋草花図譜展 Taisho Woodblock Print of Western Flowers Exhibition

April 2 - 23, 2011

We are holding the exhibition of the original Japanese antique woodblock prints, “Seiyo Soka Zufu (A Picture Album of Western Plants and Flowers)” by an artist, Tanigami Konan, which was originally published as a five-volume set by Unso-do, Kyoto in 1917. This spectacular work, comprised entirely of authentic Japanese color woodblock prints, depicted a wide variety of lush flowers and exotic plants in full bloom.

Carefully selected from an extremely rare set of volumes, these exquisite prints hold all of the original, richly vivid colors. This artistic treasury will delight anyone who appreciates the glorious beauty of Japanese woodblock prints, floral art, and botanicals.

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Happee Print Exhibition by Kengo Hioki

February 26 - March 19, 2011

We are holding a rubber block print exhibition by Kengo Hioki, also known as Peelander-Yellow, the leader of the Japanese action comic band called Peelander-Z. The band is based in NY and they perform over 130 shows in the US, Europe, and Japan every year. Their performance is ’super happee’ and amazing!!!!

The opening reception is on Saturday, February 26, 2011, 5-7pm. He may play a couple of songs at the opening. Come and join us to get ‘happee’!!!!!

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Bakkumatsu to Meiji Hand Colored Photograph Exhibition

December 4 - 24, 2010

We are holding a special antique photo exhibition.  These photos were taken and carefully hand painted in Bakumatsu to Meiji period (1860’s to 1920’s).  These rare interesting photos show Japanese people’s everyday life around that time.

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Antique Botanicals Art Collection Ⅱ

November 7 – 28, 2010

We would like to present the second Japanese Antique Woodblock Print Exhibition.  New arrival of original woodblock prints for the botanical encyclopedia from Meiji period. Printed by Unso-do, Kyoto in 1909, based on original artworks by Edo Rimpa School Artists; Hoichi Sakai (1761-1829), Kiichi Suzuki (1796-1858), and Kimei Nakano (1834-1892).

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Woodblock Print Exhibition by Koichiro Yoshimura

September 25 - October 16, 2010

We would like to introduce the woodblock prints by Koichiro Yoshimura. The artist studied at Tokyo Bijutsu School, now called Tokyo Art University (1927 - 1932), and subsequently worked as a textile designer.  His art deco style geometric patterns and fantasy images are references to Paul Klee and his colorful abstraction. Yoshimura’s work encompasses the spirit of modernism.

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Kentaro Fujioka Solo Exhibition

“Values”

August 28 - September 19, 2010 Opening Reception: Saturday August 28, 5-7pm

Artist statement In this series Values, collages of diamonds are made using house paint color samples as a medium. By meticulously cutting and pasting numbers of different hues, intensities and values of color samples on boards, I create realistic images of the gem. Then the surface is spray finished with a gloss acrylic coating on the gem to enhance the luminous quality. I have always been fascinated by the transparent crystal matter and optical science which deals withthis material. And I have come upon diamonds as a subject rather accidentally. Then I realized diamonds appear where our lives are in a keenest situation. In other words, diamonds represent the ultimate value in life. We live in the value system, either economic or cultural. I believe beauty appears where there is a lot of energy. The power of this ultimate value is such a energy. The ultimate value also has been involved in a dark side of human history. There are people who abuse the power and powerless people who suffer abuse. My art is about freedom. Freedom to create and find beauty in it. Freedom to find beauty without having the power. I have come upon the medium also accidentally. As an emerging artist striving to survive in New York City, I have taken many odd jobs, including house painting. In my studio, I had house paint color samples from these jobs and then I started making collages of diamonds. House paint manufacturers now have hundreds of different colors and offer those samples for free, thanks to our consuming culture where we are encouraged to buy new colors for our home every once a while. I call this free stuff the diluted value. We can find this diluted value everywhere today. The diluted value is often used to control consumers. I don’t like the consuming culture, and I use the diluted value not in the way I’m supposed to. This is my freedom here. I like to work with dichotomy, dialectic method of juxtaposing two opposite things to fuse into the next level like yin and yang. Here, I put the ultimate value and the diluted value together. Heaviness of the subject and lightness of the medium. I think the title Values is timely because I believe we live in a very crucial moment in history where our value system is being questioned. Cheap mass production has given us more problems than prosperity for human kind. Cheap money created a bubble economy and is creating a new bubble economy rather than distributing real value to people. Rich developed countries owe tremendous amount of money to poorer developing countries. These contradictions seem expanding rather than being solved. I think this is the time when we start to realize the need for reconsidering our value system. I like to question what the real value is. I am at my starting point of this question. - Kentaro Fujioka

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Pochi-Bukuro and Chiyogami Exhibition

June 12 - 25, 2010 We would like to introduce Japanese antique woodblock printed ”Pochi-Bukuro” and “Chiyogami” from Kyoto Sakuraiya from Meiji period to the early Showa period.  ”Pochi-Bukuro” is a tiny envelop, which is traditionally used for giving gratitude and “Chiyogami” is a washi paper with exquisite colored patterns.