Gou Kato Exhibition
Vacuum (The Art History)
N-MARK B1 will host local artist Gou Kato's captivating exhibition, "Vacuum (The Art History)," from August 8 to August 17.
This thought-provoking exhibition invites viewers to explore the notion of "space" within painting, challenging the conventional understanding of visual composition. Kato, renowned for his unique approach to sculptural works that address complex themes with humor and sharp social insights, now delves into the realm of painting with a fresh perspective.
Kato's latest exhibition marks a significant departure from his previous works, which skillfully combined traditional artistic techniques with contemporary approaches.
In "Vacuum (The Art History)," he aims to reevaluate the fundamental question of whether "space" is truly achieved within a painting. This concept has become a common language among some artists, as exemplified by the famous comparison between Tohaku Hasegawa's "Pine Trees" screen, which is said to lack space, and the Chinese painter Muqi's works, which are considered to have achieved it.
Kato aims to reevaluate the fundamental question of whether "space" is truly achieved within a painting.
Kato's exploration involves the process of gradually eliminating the "complexity" that appears on the painting surface, ultimately arriving at the simple concept of "division." He challenges himself to create new spaces different from previous painting expressions through the use of AI-generated images, offering a fresh perspective on the creation of visual space. This exhibition encourages viewers to contemplate the nuances of artistic space and the criteria by which it is evaluated, often in comparison to other works.
Gou Kato
An Artist with Sharp Social Insights
Gou Kato, born in 1964, is a distinguished artist known for his sculptural works that address intricate themes such as gender and social issues with a touch of humor. A graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts, Kato completed his studies in the Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Oil Painting, and the Graduate School of Fine Arts. He has participated in numerous major exhibitions, including the 2008 Busan Biennale, Dissipation at the Busan Museum of Art in Korea, and the Anticipating Future Exhibition at the Luigi Pecci Museum in Italy. In 1997, he was featured in the De-Genderism Exhibition at the Setagaya Art Museum. Currently residing in Nagoya City, Kato continues to captivate audiences with his innovative approach to art.
Opening Reception
Artist Talk: Inspirations and Ideas
Art enthusiasts are invited to attend the Artist Talk & Opening Reception on Friday, August 9, at 19:00. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with Kato as he discusses the inspirations and ideas behind his latest exhibition. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the artist's creative process and the challenges he faces in redefining the concept of space in painting.
About N-Mark
N-Mark is a dynamic art organization based in Nagoya, Japan, founded in December 1998. Initially, they opened "N-mark Presents," an innovative venue in Kasugai City featuring a gallery and a multi-purpose space that hosted a wide range of artistic events. Over time, N-Mark transitioned to organizing outdoor exhibitions and unique projects like "@port" and "KIGUTSU" near Nagoya Port. They introduced "Open Meetings" and "Meeting Caravan" to engage communities and foster artist networks. In 2012, they launched "N-MARK B1" in Chojamachi, continuing to develop diverse art programs and welcome artistic collaborations.
This exhibition promises to be an enlightening experience for all who attend, offering a fresh perspective on the intricate relationship between space and simplicity in art. Don't miss the chance to explore Gou Kato's innovative works and join the conversation at the Artist Talk & Opening Reception.
Exhibition
Vacuum (The Art History)
Artist: Gou Kato
Dates: August 8 (Thu) - August 17 (Sat)
Time: 15:00-19:00
Open: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Admission: Free
Organizer: N-MARK B1
N-MARK B1 MAP
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