Sho Kishino lives a life of Zen which is reflected in his work. In his sculptures, we are able to discern the true essence of existence.
The sound of footsteps, the rounded shoulders of a priest, the crowing of a gamecock, a mother’s gentle smile…these works possess not only sorrow, but also humor. Light and shadow coexist. Using wood from old temple or shrine buildings, pine, cedar driftwood, or stones he finds in the Kizugawa river in his hometown of Kyoto, he gives them new life. Carving them down to perfection, he exposes the shape of something living.
In his youth he became influenced by Giacometti’s (1901–1966) way of looking. Giacometti drew things exactly as he saw them and believed that by removing the outline of an object, it was possible to evoke the essence of their being. Struggling to understand the difference in the way of looking across cultures, between East and West, Kishino came to the conclusion that ‘In Japanese sculpture, material is not added, but subtracted, thereby giving birth to “space”.’
This year the whole world is threatened by a virus. Sho Kishino’s sculptures offer the viewer peace of mind. They contain a prayer and offer salvation.
This exhibition, alongside Sho Kishino’s work, will include ink paintings by his father, Tadataka, and pottery by his brother, Kan. We hope that their works will allow you to appreciate the importance of family.
Shoko Aono, Ippodo Gallery
