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Kumikaho Oshima

Japanese, born 1986

ELEGY IN PLASTIC, 2020

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Medium: Sculpture, Mixed Media: Wax and plexyglass with protective Cap Plexiglas with LED
Size: 71 x 28 x 20 cm. (28 x 11 x 7.9 in.)
Markings: The artwork is dated, numbered and signed on a metal label sticked on the protective cap

6,500 EUR

Galerie Jacob Paulett

Paris

About this Artwork

Movement: Contemporary Art
Provenance: This artwork come directly from the Artist's Studio : Studio CrazyNoodles

Collective Creative Dynamics:

Art studios like CrazyNoodles often serve as a melting pot of diverse talents and influences. The artists within such studios usually share ideas, collaborate, and inspire each other. The synergy that emerges from this creative environment can be a powerful source of inspiration. The artists may draw from their own experiences, cultural backgrounds, and the dialogues within the studio to craft their unique artistic visions.

Cultural Heritage:

Japanese artists, in particular, frequently draw inspiration from their rich cultural heritage. This can encompass a wide range of influences, from traditional arts like calligraphy and woodblock printing to contemporary cultural elements like anime, manga, and video games. The juxtaposition of the old and the new often plays a significant role in their artistic creations.

Nature and Landscape:

The natural beauty of Japan, including its landscapes, seasons, and wildlife, is a recurring theme in Japanese art. Artists may find inspiration in the ever-changing scenery, the tranquility of a temple garden, or the energy of a bustling city. These natural and urban environments can serve as a wellspring of creativity.

Mythology and Folklore:

Japanese mythology and folklore are replete with captivating characters, stories, and symbolism. Artists may delve into these tales to create works that resonate with cultural traditions and resonate with modern audiences.

Contemporary Global Influences:

Japanese artists, including those in studios like CrazyNoodles, are not isolated from global artistic trends. They often engage with and respond to international art movements, incorporating global perspectives into their work.

Social and Personal Experiences:

Artists frequently draw from their own personal experiences and emotions, as well as social and political issues that affect them. These can be powerful sources of inspiration and drive the creation of thought-provoking and emotionally charged works.

In essence, the inspiration of artists from a studio like CrazyNoodles is multifaceted and dynamic. It's a blend of cultural heritage, contemporary influences, collaborative energy, and individual creativity. Their works may be a reflection of their unique perspectives on the world, informed by their experiences, interactions, and the diverse tapestry of Japanese culture.
Exhibitions: 2023
Neo pop Heroes, Galerie Thema, Valencia, Spain
KAWAI Show , Gallery 32, TelAviv, Israel

Colorfull, Eternity Gallery Miami , Miami, USA
From Kyoto to Tokyo, Collective Show, Galerie7, Brussels, Belgium
Wonderland, , Japanese Contemporary Art Exhibition, Eternity Gallery Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Shogun in PokemonLand, Eternity GALLERY Singapore, Singapore
The World ... a Cartoon, Galerie Ariel jakob, Paris, France

2022
Colors of Japan, Guerrero Fine Art, Barcelona, Sitges, Spain
Context Art Miami, ZK Gallery, San Francisco, USA
Collective Show , Galerie JacobPaulett, Paris France
Show CrazyNoodles, Galerie7, Brussels, Belgium
Icons, Tribes Gallery, Tel Aviv , Israel
Nippon Neo Pop, Eternity Gallery Singapore, Singapore
Crazynoodles gang !!!!!, Eternity Gallery Miami, Miami, USA
Ancestors and foreign propaganda, Galerie Jacob Paulett, Paris, France

2021
My generation , Tribes Gallery, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Opening Show, Galerie7, Brussels, Belgium
Permanent Exhibition, Guerrero Fine Art, Barcelona, Sitges, Spain
Collective Show, 5eme Art Gallery, Los-Angeles, USA
NeoPop Made in JAPAN, Galerie Ariel Sibony, Paris, France
Generation of Nippon Neo Pop, Eternity Gallery Singapore, Singapore
Colors of Japan, Sibman Gallery, Paris, France
CrazynOOdles and friends , 5eme Art Gallery, Los Angeles, USA

2020
Illusion of dreams and desires , Galerie Jacob Paulett, Paris, France
CrazyNoodles in Brussells, Galerie 7, Brussels, Belgium
Magnificent Contemporary Art , Eternity Gallery Hong Kong, Hong Kong , China
NeoPop Art Show, Guerrero Fine Art, Barcelona, Spain
Collective Show , Ode to Art, Singapore, Singapore
Nippon Collective Show, Galerie Ariel Jakob, Paris, France
Generation of Pop, COVA Gallery, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
From Tokyo to SF, ZK Gallery, San Francisco, USA

2019
Close-ups of the eyes by Yoshihiro Fujita, Galerie Jacob Paulett, Paris, France
CrazyNoodles Show, Opera Gallery Singapore, Singapore
Permanent Exhibition, Tribes Gallery, Tel-Aviv, Israel
ColorFull2 , Galerie Ariel Sibony , Paris, France
Icons PartIII , Gallery 32 , Tel-Aviv, Israel
Collective Show, Galerie 7, Brussels, Belgium
Nippones frippones,Galerie Jacob Paulett, Paris, France
CrazynOOdles and friends, 5eme Art Gallery, Los Angeles, USA
Literature: Kumikaho Oshima, a visionary Japanese artist, brings forth a captivating exploration of societal dynamics through her remarkable wall sculptures in the series "Dollar Dreams in Neon Barbie World" and her mixed-media canvases featuring the amalgamation of Barbie dolls and US dollars.

Inspiration and Symbolism

Oshima's artistic journey delves into the profound inspiration behind her wall sculptures. The iconic Barbie dolls, laden with nostalgia and cultural significance, become conduits for exploring themes of innocence, the transition to adulthood, and the poignant loss of childhood innocence in the context of contemporary Japanese society.

Cultural Critique Through Symbols

Her use of Barbie dolls and US dollars extends beyond mere representation, offering a nuanced critique of mass media and pop culture's pervasive influence on societal norms. These symbols, deeply embedded in the cultural psyche, become potent tools for dissecting materialistic values and challenging the superficial representations often propagated by mainstream media.

Globalization's Impact

The incorporation of American symbols, such as dollars and Barbie dolls, serves as a visual commentary on the profound impact of globalization on Japanese society. Oshima navigates the blending of cultures, utilizing these universal symbols to underscore the interconnectedness and the transformative influence of a globalized world on local narratives.

Deconstructing Gender and Body Ideals

Oshima's canvases, where Barbie dolls coalesce with dollars, unravel a discourse on gender roles, body ideals, and societal pressures, particularly those imposed on women. By intertwining these symbols, she initiates a dialogue on the stereotypical beauty standards perpetuated by Barbie dolls and the societal expectations that surround physical appearances.

Consumerism Unveiled

In her artworks, the presence of dollars and Barbie dolls transcends mere aesthetics, unraveling layers of meaning that speak to the prevalent consumerism and materialism in contemporary Japanese society. These symbols become visual metaphors for the collective yearning for wealth and the pursuit of material possessions, resonating deeply with the ethos of consumerist cultures.

Kumikaho Oshima's masterful synthesis of Barbie dolls and dollars goes beyond artistic aesthetics, serving as a profound exploration of societal complexities and the intricate interplay between culture, media, and individual identity in the evolving landscape of modern Japan.
Image Rights: Image rights are property of MAM - Modern Art Machine , worldwide rep of Artist & Japanese studio Crazynoodles and Galerie Jacob Paulett.

Description

2020, Unique Artwork

Mix Media wax and plexyglass with protective Cap Plexiglas with LED
28 × 11 × 7 9/10 in – 71 × 28 × 20 cm
Unique Artwork
The artwork is dated, numbered and signed on a metal label sticked on the protective cap
serie ” Luminous Transactions : Barbie Chronicles in Currency Boxes”
Kumikaho Oshima, a visionary Japanese women artist, crafted a series that ignited both intrigue and contemplation. Titled “Luminous Transactions: Barbie Chronicles in Currency Boxes,” this collection of box sculptures was a testament to Oshima’s ability to weave narratives through the convergence of dollars, Barbie dolls, and the ethereal glow of LED lights.

Each box, a miniature universe encapsulated in transparent walls, housed a delicate dance between symbols of wealth and cultural iconography. Oshima’s meticulous placement of dollars within the confines of the boxes was intentional — a commentary on the intricate relationship between material prosperity and societal ideals. The dollars seemed to float, suspended in a vibrant dance, illuminated by the soft hum of embedded LED lights.

Amidst this play of currency, Barbie dolls found themselves in unexpected scenarios. The juxtaposition was deliberate, challenging perceptions of beauty, femininity, and the commodification of desire. The dolls, adorned with the shimmering glow of LED light, became characters in a luminous chronicle, navigating the complexities of a world shaped by both wealth and cultural symbolism.

One particularly striking piece, titled “Wealthy Trio Unveiled” : within a luminous box adorned with LED lights, —a captivating fusion of US dollars and the provocative presence of three nude Barbies. The currency, meticulously arranged, seemed to dance in the LED glow, casting a surreal atmosphere. The juxtaposition of wealth and vulnerability echoed through each face of the box, challenging societal norms and inviting contemplation on the commodification of desire, beauty, and financial power. Oshima’s artwork emerged as a compelling narrative on the intricate dance between materialism, representation, and societal expectations.

in the artwork “Powerful Dolls” barbie bodies encased in a box adorned with LED lights. Each face of the box showcased American president, a surreal installation of power and plastic. The LED glow flickered, casting an eerie yet captivating dance upon the miniature figures, as if questioning the juxtaposition of political authority and societal ideals within the confines of a doll’s world. Oshima’s artwork invited contemplation on the ephemeral nature of influence, where plastic bodies and presidential faces coexisted in a captivating commentary on power and perception.

In “Luxe Dolls” , an illuminated box adorned with LED lights, a striking fusion of US dollars and the sexy presence of three Barbies. The currency, meticulously arranged, seemed to dance in the LED glow, casting a surreal aura. Each face of the box became a canvas for the dolls, a dynamic trio frozen in a moment of elegant contemplation. Oshima’s artwork echoed a commentary on consumer culture, where wealth, femininity, and artificial beauty converged in a captivating interplay of light and plastic.

One couldn’t help but analyze the sociocultural commentary embedded in each sculpture. Oshima’s “Luminous Transactions” series illuminated not only the materialistic pursuits of modern society but also the evolving narratives surrounding femininity and societal expectations. The use of LED lights, with their inherent symbolism of modernity and progress, added an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.

Kumikaho Oshima, through her artistic alchemy, invited viewers to step into a world where dollars, Barbie dolls, and LED lights converged in luminous boxes. Each sculpture in the series whispered tales of societal transactions, the chronicles of Barbie in a world shaped by currency, and the profound interplay between light and symbolism. The “Luminous Transactions” series stood as a testament to Oshima’s ability to transcend traditional artistic boundaries, inviting contemplation on the multifaceted nature of contemporary culture.

Galerie Jacob Paulett

About this Artwork

Description

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