‘Form and Domain: Shigeo Yamaguchi X Sadamasa Motonaga’ Exhibition in Hong Kong, China

Whitestone Gallery is pleased to present a double solo exhibition ‘Form and Domain’, sho[...]

Whitestone Gallery is pleased to present a double solo exhibition ‘Form and Domain’, showcasing the works of two Japanese pioneer artists, Shigeo Yamaguchi and Sadamasa Motonaga. The exhibition presents the rich heritage and innovative practices left by the artists. Their works also contribute to shaping the modern and contemporary art landscapes of Japan and other regions.
Shigeo Yamaguchi (1902 – 1983) is a key figure in the development process of Japanese abstract art. Yamaguchi was born in Gyeongseong (now Seoul, South Korea) under Japanese rule. His family owned a large farm in the local area. In 1921, Yamaguchi returned to Japan and began to study Western painting under the guidance of Saburosuke Okada. In 1927, shortly after graduating from the Tokyo Art School, Yamaguchi continued his artistic journey in France. Yamaguchi spent four years in Paris. Inspired by modernist masters such as Picasso and Ujiro Saeki, he developed a unique style that combines an in-depth exploration of traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary abstraction. The time he spent in the studio of the famous sculptor Ossip Zadkine also enhanced his sensitivity to figuration and understanding of form.
In 1945, the end of the Pacific War led Yamaguchi into a new stage. The artist lost most of his early works during the war. He seized the opportunity to start a new artistic stage – exploring the realm of abstract forms and colors. Yamaguchi’s post-war works are characterized by thick brushstrokes and a limited palette, often focusing on black tones, supplemented by ochre and reddish-brown tones. This unique combination is reminiscent of the fertile soil of the continent and deeply reflects the human experience. Yamaguchi participated in important exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale (1956 and 1958) and the São Paulo Biennial (1956 and 1966), consolidating his position as a pioneer of Japanese abstract art. He also received the Art Award issued by the Ministry of Education in 1961.
Sadamasa Motonaga (1922 – 2011) is hailed as one of the leading figures of the Gutai Art Association, a group known for its radical art practices that emphasize experimentation and interaction. In 1955, Motonaga became a member of the first generation of Gutai artists and made important contributions to the development of innovative concepts, including ‘water sculptures’ – plastic sheets filled with pigmented water and suspended, showing his playful use of materials and presentation forms. His unique style also incorporates the traditional Japanese painting technique ‘dripping style’ – applying a second layer of pigment before the first layer is completely dry, creating unexpected dripping effects. In the 1960s, during his time in New York, Motonaga began to use an airbrush in his works, spraying acrylic pigment on the canvas to create iconic brightly colored hard-edged shapes.
Motonori’s works often explore themes of humor and accessibility, resonating across different generations. His international experiences, including collaborations with Martha Jackson Gallery in New York and the International Aesthetic Research Center in Turin, Italy, have further solidified his reputation as a significant contemporary artist. Motonori has participated in important exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale and the Seoul International Print Biennial, demonstrating his ability to engage with a global audience while being rooted in Japanese tradition. The exhibition ‘Form and Domain’ invites visitors to engage in the whimsical interaction between Nagaichi Yamaguchi and Sadamasa Motonori, offering an in-depth exploration of abstract art through their unique and complementary perspectives. The works on display in this exhibition bear witness to the innovative spirit of both artists and their enduring impact on the art world. The exhibition is open from October 10th to November 16th, Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00-19:00. Performance times and durations are subject to the venue’s schedule.