Ryoko Watanabe

Japanese, born 1973

TO SHINJUKU : URBAN SOJOURN, 2011

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Medium: Paintings, oil on canvas
Size: 180 x 108 cm. (70.9 x 42.5 in.)
Markings: The artwork is signed by the Artist on verso of the canvas & stamped with the logo of the Artist's Studio 'Crazy Noodles' on verso of the canvas
The artwork come accompagnied with an original Certificate of Authenticity issued by the studio of the Artist & signed by the Artist

6,200 EUR

Galerie Jacob Paulett

Paris

About this Artwork

Edition: unique
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
Collective Show, 5eme Art Gallery, Los-Angeles, USA
Colors of Japan, Sibman Gallery, Paris, France
Shogun in PokemonLand, Eternity GALLERY Singapore, Singapore
From Kyoto to Tokyo, Collective Show, Galerie7, Brussels, Belgium
Colors of Japan, Guerrero Fine Art, Barcelona, Sitges, Spain
Collective Show , Galerie JacobPaulett, Paris France
Generation of Nippon Neo Pop, Eternity Gallery Singapore, Singapore
Crazynoodles gang !!!!!, Eternity Gallery Miami, Miami, USA

2022
Neo pop Heroes, Galerie Thema, Valencia, Spain
Opening Show, Galerie7, Brussels, Belgium
Ancestors and foreign propaganda, Galerie Jacob Paulett, Paris, France
CrazynOOdles and friends , 5eme Art Gallery, Los Angeles, USA
My generation , Tribes Gallery, Tel-Aviv, Israel
The World ... a Cartoon, Galerie Ariel jakob, Paris, France
Colorfull, Eternity Gallery Miami , Miami, USA
KAWAI Show , Gallery 32, TelAviv, Israel

2021

Wonderland, , Japanese Contemporary Art Exhibition, Eternity Gallery Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Context Art Miami, ZK Gallery, San Francisco, USA
Show CrazyNoodles, Galerie7, Brussels, Belgium
Icons, Tribes Gallery, Tel Aviv , Israel
Nippon Neo Pop, Eternity Gallery Singapore, Singapore
Permanent Exhibition, Guerrero Fine Art, Barcelona, Sitges, Spain
NeoPop Made in JAPAN, Galerie Ariel Sibony, Paris, France

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: Ryoko Watanabe's distinctive artistry, where she seamlessly intertwines sumotori and urban crowds against a black and white backdrop, finds its roots in a profound connection to Japanese culture and a keen exploration of the intersections between tradition and contemporary life.

Watanabe's early experiences and upbringing have significantly influenced her artistic expression. Her fascination with the vibrant cultural tapestry of Japan has played a pivotal role in shaping her creative vision. The dynamic and intricate nature of traditional Japanese art forms, combined with the rich heritage of the country, serve as wellsprings of inspiration for her work.

The incorporation of sumotori into her canvases serves as a homage to Japan's historical legacy. Sumotori, with their stoic strength and ritualistic traditions, embody a bygone era and symbolize the resilience of Japanese heritage in the face of societal changes. For Watanabe, they become a conduit between the ancient and the contemporary.

The deliberate use of a black and white background in her art is a thoughtful choice aimed at emphasizing the timeless and universal aspects of Japanese culture. By stripping the backdrop of color, Watanabe directs attention to the enduring essence of tradition, showcasing its ability to transcend the transience of modernity.

The urban crowds that populate Watanabe's canvases are a reflection of her acute observation of contemporary Japanese society. Scenes of buses, traffic jams, and metro stations serve not only as settings but as integral components of her visual narratives. They represent the constant rhythm and flux of urban life, juxtaposed against the static and timeless presence of sumotori.

In essence, Watanabe's inspiration is rooted in a desire to create a visual dialogue—a harmonious convergence of traditional elements and the vibrant energy of the modern world. Her canvases become a platform for cultural contemplation, inviting viewers to engage in a reflective dance between the enduring past and the pulsating present, where each stroke of her brush resonates with the timeless heartbeat of Japanese culture.
Image Rights: Image rights are property of MAM - Modern Art Machine, worldwide rep of Artist & Japanese studio Crazynoodles and Galerie Jacob Paulett

Description

2011, Unique Artwork

Oil on Canvas
70 9/10 × 42 1/2 in – 180 × 108 cm
The artwork and signed by the Artist on verso of the canvas & stamped with the logo of the Studio of the Artist on verso of the canvas
serie “Serenity Amidst Shadows : Geishas in the Monochromatic Urban Ensemble”
In the evocative series titled “Serenity Amidst Shadows: Geishas in the Monochromatic Urban Ensemble,” Ryoko Watanabe invites viewers into a realm where tradition and modernity coalesce in a harmonious dance. Each canvas unfolds like a chapter in a silent narrative, capturing the essence of Japan’s rich cultural tapestry.

Watanabe’s fascination with the timeless grace of geishas becomes evident as these iconic figures take center stage in her monochromatic urban landscape. Against a backdrop of black and white, the geishas emerge as ethereal beings, draped in the elegance of tradition, their presence an ode to the enduring beauty of Japanese culture.

The urban ensemble painted by Watanabe serves not as a chaotic background but as a dynamic setting for the geishas. Crowds, rendered in shades of shadow and light, become part of the visual symphony—nameless faces moving in rhythm with the pulse of city life. The contrast of the black and white palette emphasizes the transcendence of the geishas, who exist as serene pillars of tradition in the midst of the bustling modernity.

In one canvas, a geisha gracefully navigates a crowded metro station, her timeless poise contrasting with the hurried commuters surrounding her. The play of light and shadow creates an atmosphere of contemplation, inviting the viewer to appreciate the serenity exuded by the geisha amidst the urban chaos.

Watanabe’s series is more than a collection of paintings; it’s a visual dialogue between past and present. Through her meticulous brushstrokes, she weaves a story of serenity and tradition surviving amid the shadows of modernity. The geishas, with their enigmatic allure, become timeless symbols of elegance, and the urban ensemble, a canvas upon which the beauty of Japan’s cultural heritage is painted with each delicate stroke.

“Serenity Amidst Shadows: Geishas in the Monochromatic Urban Ensemble” is an exploration of the delicate balance between tradition and the contemporary, a testament to Watanabe’s ability to capture the enduring spirit of Japan through the captivating allure of geishas gracefully navigating the monochromatic symphony of city life.

Galerie Jacob Paulett

About this Artwork

Description

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