Ota Fine Arts Shanghai is delighted to present "Gale", a solo exhibition by Japanese artist, Tsuyoshi Hisakado. Hisakado first presented "Gale" at the Culture City of East Asia 2017 Kyoto "Asia Corridor Contemporary Art Exhibition." The work was site-specific and was presented with the unique structural hoardings in the corner tower of the Nijo Castle. For this second installment of "Gale", Hisakado recreates the installation within a white-cube gallery. 

Upon entering the exhibition space, viewers will see 18 glass cases, each containing a light bulb that swings like a pendulum. The sound of wind recorded in a mountain can be heard swooshing through the gallery. Swinging light bulbs blink in sync as the intensity of wind varies. From above, flashes of lighting and the rumble of thunder pour into the ground level from the gallery's upper floor. 

Hisakado's theatrical installation offers viewers a rich sensory perception and is layered with multiple references and connotations. The combination of wind, lighting and thunder points to the presence of a vast yet impalpable power, capable of threatening an individual's fragile existence. The dual structure configuration also alludes to social power structures. 

The concept of time and space - two particular concepts that is commonly explored in his previous works - are also prominent in "Gale". The swinging light bulb marks time with each movement, reminding its viewers of the time that has passed as they stood standing amidst this immersive space. 

Additionally, the tangibility and delicateness of wood and glass are in stark contrast to the intangibility and boisterous sounds in the background. Evoking a sense of lyricism and poetic sentiment but never forgetting the inorganic reality of the installation. 

Hisakado does not define "Gale" but hopes for his viewers to experience a unique moment, triggering emotions and memories, touching one's inner spaces that are deep yet distant. 

About the Artist

Born in Kyoto in 1981, Tsuyoshi Hisakado completed a M.F.A. at the Department of Sculpture of the Kyoto City University of Arts in 2007. Hisakado's practice focuses on the seemingly mundane aspects of everyday life. He assembles evidence of history and phenomena that are unique to specific places, creating installations that combine sound, light, and sculpture. Hisakado was elected the East Asian Cultural Exchange Envoy and was the recipient of the Audience Award at the 'NISSAN ART AWARD 2015', and the Grand Prize of the 'VOCA 2016 The Vision of Contemporary Art'. He has participated in various group exhibitions including the 'Asia Corridor Contemporary Art Exhibition (Kyoto, 2017)', 'AICHI TRIENNALE 2016 rainbow caravan' and has held solo exhibitions at MoCA Pavilion Special Project (Shanghai, 2016), Ota Fine Arts Singapore (2015) and Ota Fine Arts Tokyo (2014). Hisakado is a founding member of the artist collective SHINCHIKA which was formed in 2002.