Madness

The Shooting Gallery is pleased to present, Madness, by Seattle-based Japanese artist, Yumiko Kayukawa. This new collection of works will be her eighth solo show at the Shooting Gallery and will feature her acrylic and ink paintings on canvas. The opening reception of Madness will be held at the Shooting Gallery on June 8, 2013 from 7-11pm. The exhibition will be on view through June 29, 2013 and is free and open to the public.

Kayukawa places her sweetly demure figures amidst scenes of wild beauty, intertwining themes of femininity and nature. In “TEREYA (Shyness),” a Japanese beauty looks over her shoulder to meet eyes with the viewer, with one hand nuzzled under the chin of a tiger and a dandelion held in the other, in a supreme balance of power and delicacy.

The animals of Madness range from the stampeding elephants of the artist’s eponymous painting to snow leopards engaged in a spirited romp with young monks. Japanese folklore and Shinto animism imbue each candy-colored composition in playful ways. “KITSUNE MATSURI (Fox Festival)” pays homage to an annual festival of Japan and features the associated Inari (spirit) mask and face painting. Foxes are popular subjects of Japanese folktales and believed to possess magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom, among these the power to assume human form, often as beautiful women. Icy blues dominate the palate of “OORORA MOCHI (Aurora Mochi),” save for the swirls of glowing greens throughout the night sky, replicating the light display seen only in Arctic and Antarctic regions when charged particles and atoms collide in the high altitude atmosphere. Beneath this natural phenomenon all manner of wildlife - seals, wolves, bunnies, even a curious whale; harmoniously interact while a family of polar bears make mochi with traditional wooden mallets and mortar. The dreamlike imagery and beautiful detailing are balanced by the Ukiyo-e use of elegantly simple lines. With a precise hand, Kayukawa creates a world of serenely magical wilderness.

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Yumiko Kayukawa (b.1970) was born and raised in the small town of Naie in Hokkaido, Japan. The panoramic beauty of her surroundings and feelings of communication with the native animals inspired her to paint the things around her. As a teenager she fell in love "with the energy and giddiness" of American pop-culture through her exposure to rock n' roll, film, and fashion. The immersion of modern and traditional Japanese motifs with these influences gave birth to an inimitable style. Yumiko graduated from Bisen art school in Sapporo, Japan and currently lives in Seattle, Washington. The artist has shown her work extensively both nationally and abroad since her debut U.S. Solo show in 2001.

For more visit http://www.shootinggallerysf.com/shows/madness/
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The Shooting Gallery opened its doors in 2003 to the edgy Tenderloin district of San Francisco; one known for its diverse culture and history. Owner and curator, Justin Giarla, founded the space to offer a welcoming environment for viewing the art he loves. Giarla has long since recognized the necessity to provide lowbrow artists with a platform, which is exactly what The Shooting Gallery has done for a full decade. In addition to the exhibition of leading shows in pop art, street art, and outsider art, the Shooting Gallery also participates in art fairs around the world and hosts annual fundraisers for local nonprofits.

Media Opportunities:
Interview with Yumiko Kayukawa
Interview with owner/founder/curator Justin Giarla
High-resolution images available upon request

Event Information:
Madness, New Works by Yumiko Kayukawa
Opening Reception – Saturday, June 8, 7-11 pm
On View Through June 29, 2013 @ Shooting Gallery
¬(www.shootinggallerysf.com)
886 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94109