HONG KONG.- Phillips, specialist auctioneers in modern and contemporary art, opened a selling exhibition titled Yu-ichi & Shiro Tsujimura: Monochrome Beauty by Nukaga Gallery to their collectors in Asia, featuring 12 works on paper by Japanese post-war artist Inoue Yuichi and a curated selection of ceramics by Tsujimura Shiro.
“‘Yu-ichi & Shiro Tsujimura: Monochrome Beauty by Nukaga Gallery’ will present an array of iconic works by Inoue Yuichi and Tsujimura Shiro,” said Miety Heiden, Deputy Chairman and Head of Private Sales. “Both of these artists had a life-long dedication to conveying fine examples of purity and individuality in various forms of artworks, demonstrating a lyrical movement of the medium in their creations with selective colors. We are pleased to bring their works to Asia, where the artists had a strong cultural connection, and hope that the combination of works, co-curated by Nukaga Gallery, resonate with collectors in the region.”
Phillips also has a rare work by Inoue Yuichi on loan, courtesy of Karena Lam, renowned Hong Kong actress. “Yuichi’s spirit has affected me in many ways. I remind myself of the essence of “poverty（貧）” – an artist must struggle and hunger for more humane touch to their crafts,” said Karena Lam.
Trained in traditional Japanese calligraphy, Inoue Yuichi (1916-1985) is considered one of the most prolific masters in Japan.
Similar to his peers from Gutai, Japanese post-war artist group, Yuichi was intrigued by abstract expressionism, breaking conservative approaches towards calligraphy. As a result, his oversized works on paper often depict a single character that occupies the surface and beyond. These characters are robust and textured, as Yuichi used his full body to infuse large brushes to produce each stroke.
Alongside Yuichi, Tsujimura Shiro (b. 1947), Japanese ceramics artist, is also being featured in the exhibition. A self-taught potter, Shiro is dedicated in creating each ceramic with his own approach and individualism yet maintaining its pure simplistic elements.
