Susumu Kamijo: Table for Us

Table for Us is a solo exhibition by the Japanese-born, New York-based artist Susumu Kamijo, which features his still-life genre reimagined with a unique blend of whimsy and surrealism. His works layer floral and animal forms to create mystical scenes that evoke nostalgia and haunting energy, offering a fresh perspective on traditional themes.

The artist ventured into the realm of still life, aiming to revolutionize the genre with a technique that was both straightforward and mysterious. Renowned for his whimsical abstract paintings featuring poodles and other lively forms, Kamijo now transitions to a more personal setting. Here, flowers and creatures are intertwined in compositions that teeter between the fantastical and the familiar. At first glance, what appears to be a conventional still life—a vase reminiscent of Morandi, a plate of food, a sizable goldfish with fins resembling petals in a bowl—swiftly unravels into a puzzle of texture and arrangement. In "Summer Blossoms," there is an unusual vibrancy, hinting at a strange vitality and even a touch of venom.

Through his utilization of color, the artist hints at the fluid textures of color field painters and Philip Guston. Extensive areas of blue, orange, and green acquire unforeseen depth beneath the translucent overlay. Occasionally, his stonewashed vases exude intense sensory stimulation, as exemplified in the richly floral scenery of "Summer Blossoms." Although previous works have showcased simpler forms and a more cohesive palette, Kamijo’s skills as a colorist stand out in this exhibition.

Susumu Kamijo - << Table for Us >>
Date: 31 Oct – 31 Dec 2024
Gallery: Perrotin
Address: 807, K11 Atelier Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
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