Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Études by Kenji Nakayama at Fourth Wall Project

We could go deep into the meaning behind this body of work and the significance it holds for Kenji and his artistic journey, but the amazing Kristen Wawruck already so perfectly articulated all of that. Instead we'll talk about the Kenji we know, the guy who embarrassed Evoker by pinching his butt during a conversation with Os Gêmeos at the Boston ICA and who wore a Diana Ross wig to a Halloween party at LAP Gallery in Waltham, and what it means for us to see a friend be so awesome at what he does and receive the acclaim his work deserves.

We'll be honest; we had to look up what "Études" means (yeah, we're hoping some of you had to do the same). The title of the exhibition is a French word that refers to a "piece of music for the practice of a point of technique" (Merrriam-Webster Dictionary). The emphasis is on the technicality and the challenge to conform within the constraints Kenji has put on himself in this particular body of work, and his line work exhibits his rise to this challenge. 49 pieces make up the entirety of the exhibition, a number with some weighty symbolism (again, refer to Wawruck's press release), but the significance of the number aside, just seeing that much masterful work from one artist filling the walls of Fourth Wall is impressive in itself. The show allows you to be enveloped in it as a whole but also lose yourself in the details of each piece. 

Kenji takes great care with his work and his craft, and it inevitably has shown through in this exhibition.  Every piece in Études begs for closer inspection. Kenji's execution of paint to paper is nimble and mystical. The technicality of this work exhibits the time that has gone into each piece and is a testament to Kenji's skills as a painter and sign writer. The work is surprisingly affordable, and we'd suggest that you snatch up a piece for yourself because with the much deserved buzz that has built around Kenji's work from this show, there is certainty his prices will rise. So congrats to Kenji, a talented artist and a mischievous and fun-loving friend. 

































Sunday, April 13, 2014

Works Cited :: Opening Night

This past Friday, April 11, we celebrated our third time curating a group show at myplasticheart in NYC. In our curatorial efforts there, we've explored the reoccurrence of bears in artists' work in Rabid, Wild, and Docile, cartoon characters in Hanna-Barbarians, and this time we've asked artists to revisit their favorite literature as children in Works Cited. As always, it is a pleasure to work with this gallery. Every year, we pinch ourselves when artists agree to participate, and this opportunity has led to us meeting some wonderful and talented people in the art community.

Thanks so much to everyone who made this possible and all of those who showed their support by attending the opening! The show runs until May 11, so if you missed the opening or can't stop thinking about one of the pieces you saw opening night, then make sure to pop in before it comes down (210 Forsyth St). For those of you not in NY, work will also be available soon in the myplasticheart online shop.

In conjunction with the show, we are running a book drive for the Books For Kids Foundation. The gallery is accepting new, hardcover children's books for children ages 0 - 6. For each book donated, myplasticheart will offer the donator 10% off his/her next purchase in store on day of donation. Acceptable donations are brand new, hardcover books appropriate for children ages 0 – 6. For more book guidelines, please contact myplasticheart at (646) 290-6866. Book donations accepted until May 31.

And now we'll stop our yapping, and you can enjoy some visuals.






Gary Ham


Abe Lincoln Jr.

Jess and Vin, owner of myplasticheart

Sean Kernick

Mr. Walters

Evoker

Apak

Courtney Moy and Evoker