We recently sat down with talented local artist, Satsuki Kitaguchi, to delve into the intricate artistic journey behind her newest solo exhibition, titled "Sky, Wind, Fire, Water, Earth 2024," currently being displayed at Ki Gallery.
It is on show until Saturday 3 March 2024 and admission to the gallery is free for anyone to enjoy.
About the Sky, wind, fire, water, earth 2024 exhibition
Your artworks in this exhibition feature a range of nature-inspired elements. What drew you to nature as a source of inspiration, and how does it influence your creative process?
I have mainly painted figurative subjects such as people, plants, and landscapes. Lately, I have been interested in taking up the legends of the Ainu people and trying to capture the energy that comes from the land.
The use of color in your pieces is striking. Can you share your approach to selecting and blending colours to convey specific emotions or messages?
I use Japanese painting pigments as my painting materials. There are many different kinds of paints available these days, but Japanese painting materials are moist and have a calming effect on the colours. I try to create that effect in my paintings.
Many of your artworks in this exhibition have a serene and tranquil quality. How do you aim to evoke specific emotions or moods in the viewer through your art?
I hold the belief that an artist's true skill lies in their capacity to elicit an emotional reaction from the observer. It's not about any specific technique or tool. If an emotional response is absent, it simply suggests that the artist may not have fully harnessed their abilities.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this exhibition? From the initial concept to the final execution of a piece, what steps did you take?
It was an extension of the work presented last year at the 500m Museum of Art, and I restructured it to match the Ki Niseko Gallery.
About the artist
Can you tell us about your artistic background and journey? How did you first become interested in art?
I decided to study art at university and majored in Japanese painting.
How has your style evolved over time, and what have been some pivotal moments in your artistic development?
I am not sure where the pivotal moments have been. I guess I have just been lucky to be able to keep exhibiting.
Past exhibitions and Ki Gallery
You have a very impressive list of past exhibitions. Can you share your experience collaborating with other artists or being part of group exhibitions?
I used to do a lot of solo exhibitions, but recently I have been doing mostly commissioned exhibitions, and I have had more opportunities to work with contemporary artists as a member of the group. Last year's exhibition at the 500m Museum of Art in Sapporo was a large-scale installation that left me exhausted. You can view the video here.
What drew you to showcase your work with us at Ki Gallery?
I was introduced to Ki Gallery by Tsuyoshi Sato, who was in my last calligraphy exhibition. He is a long time friend of mine. I am grateful to him.
What do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your work at Ki Gallery this February?
In Japan, there is a saying, "Once in a lifetime encounter. I am very happy to meet you through my paintings. Thank you very much.
Discover further details about the exhibition here. Admission to the exhibition is free for all until Saturday, March 3, 2024. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
