In Circles

Step into the mesmerizing world of In Circles, where captivating works by the international artist Chiharu Shiota are shown. Born from the artist's contemplation of existence and depicting the constant renewal and recurrence woven into the fabric of life, this exhibition invites audiences to embark on a symbolic journey through the human condition. At the heart of the exhibition lies a monumental installation conceived as a visual manifestation of the perpetual cycles that govern our lives; "In Circles" weaves an intricate tapestry of interconnected threads suspended in space. The artist suggests that navigating the complexities of life often feels akin to a cyclical journey, with the continuous rotation of the world. From the moment of birth, human beings are thrust into an existence marked by uncertainty, oblivious to the twists and turns that life may unfold. Perhaps the circular motif emerges as a universal symbol, seemingly perfect in its infinite and eternal nature, yet paradoxically capable of ensnaring individuals within an inescapable trap. There, Shiota asserts that to break free from this cyclic existence necessitates relinquishing attachments and venturing into the unfamiliar, away from the comfort of the known. Furthermore, Chiharu Shiota's meticulous craftsmanship and profound artistic vision come to life in each piece, whether it's the ethereal delicacy of smaller sculptures (State of Being) or the immersive grandeur of larger installations. Artist Shiota regards the sculptures as an extension of the installation art. In other words, each sculpture embodies her profound emotional investment; she pours her entire being into the work, reaching a point where she has nothing more to give. Moreover, layer upon layer of cut, tangled, and knotted threads accumulate, forming a captivating representation of the universe within a framed space. In detail, the use of red, white, and black threads, a signature element in Shiota's palette, adds a symbolic layer, representing the dualities inherent in life—birth and death, love and loss, creation and dissolution. Shiota's artistic exploration extends beyond installations into the realm of two-dimensional canvases (Endless Line), challenging the previous constraints of two-dimensionality. The artist navigates this expanded canvas with the use of thread, treating it as a tool for drawing. The single line of thread takes on a symbolic resemblance to a painted line in a traditional artwork. In detail, rooted in personal emotions and experiences, Shiota's artistic endeavors organically evolve into universally resonant expressions. This transition from installations to canvases underscores the versatility of her artistic vision and the perpetual nature of her creative exploration. Chiharu Shiota (b. 1972) is an international artist born in Osaka, Japan, and based in Berlin, Germany. She unravels the inner human and introspection on uncertainty through her artworks. She does not confine herself to one specific area but rather handles with a variety of media, such as performance art, drawing, sculpture, and installations. She uses the fi nite nature of human beings and their subsequent anxious inner selves as the subject of her work. The artist also interprets death as the new beginning rather than “the end” and continues to refl ect on the dichotomous boundaries, personal existence, and identity that exist in the contemporary era. One of Chiharu’s most representative series is the installation piece with thread skein forming the shape of human blood vessels throughout the space. Through a thread that seems to be connecting each other closely by intertwining a space like a network, Chiharu visually embodies the agony of life and death and the exploration of existence. Furthermore, these threads refer to the numerous interrelated thoughts and the relationships with surroundings needed to confirm one self’s identity. In essence, Chiharu continues to explore existence and inner life through works using thread, sculptures reminiscent of cells and works using everyday props.

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1142 Seward St

La, NY