The Japan Foundation Gallery begins 2012 with Yuria Okamura’s first solo exhibition, Ma: Space between here and there. This exhibition runs from 20 January until 16 February, and is a part of the Japan Foundation’s facetnate! series for 2012, a support program for emerging artists.

Okamura, in this exhibition, explores the relationship between interior and exterior spaces, the ideas of perception and illusion, and the physical and abstract world.

She begins by simplifying a space (such as a Japanese temple or teahouse) into geometric shapes on a 2D surface before incorporating animals and other traditional design elements to create multiple spaces and realms.

She employs various techniques such as the use of subtle colours, ink, interference paint, the gentle staining of diluted acrylic, and the embossing of repetitive patterns.

Okamura explains, “the exhibition title, Ma: Space between here and there reflects my aim to create works through which the viewer can imagine the metaphysical world while standing in the physical space, and take a short break from busy and hectic everyday life.”

Ma is a Japanese word for an ‘interval’ in a spatial and temporal sense. It takes on a relational meaning; a dynamic sense of standing in, among or between.

 

E X H I B I T I O N

Ma: Space between here and there

20 January – 16 February 2012 (closed public holidays)
Japan Foundation Gallery
Level 1, Chifley Plaza, 2 Chifley Square, Sydney
Monday – Friday, 11am – 4pm
Free admission

 

About the Artist

Yuria Okamura, 24, is a Japanese artist based in Melbourne, Australia. She has completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts- Painting in 2009 and Honours in Fine Arts in 2010 at RMIT University, Melbourne. Since graduating, she has been given a number of awards and scholarships including RMIT Siemens Fine Art Scholarship, RMIT Honours Endowment Travelling Scholarship, Lloyd Rees Memorial Youth Art Award, and was also selected as a finalist for Hazelhurst Works on Paper Award.

About Facetnate!

Facetnate! was launched in 2008 to support emerging visual artist/s whose work demonstrates a strong Japanese influence. The program provides a platform of opportunity for local Australia-based artists to contribute to cultural exchange through various means of artistic expression. All exhibiting artists will receive a return airfare from Sydney to Tokyo to further develop her/her field of art. From 23 February, other 2012 facetnate! finalists Kyoko Imazu and Damon Kowarsky will exhibit with Collaborate.