East Meets West, a spoonerism indeed, is the epitome of the vibrant world interplaying East/West esthetics into one exhibition. The New York-based Japanese artist Tomokazu Matsuyama displays more than 20 pieces of vividly colorful paintings and installations in his second solo exhibition in New York City. Clearly, his intention of a homogeneous display reiterates the absolute necessity of understanding that the world is one backyard of combined signifiers.
Upon entering a Joshua Liner Gallery, Matsuyama’s large-scale canvas, Toy and Candy, covers the entire crisp, white wall; set apart from the rest as the key attraction. Exposing an historical defeat in both traditional and modern graffiti, the canvas is made of juxtaposing bright colors of acrylic paint and artistic techniques of slicing the proportional figures into one canvas. Further, Money Talks, entertainingly displays the ascetic Monk Basu Sennin wearing a metallic robe holding in his hand a pink piggy bank, shiny plastic coins decorated with happy-sad theatrical faces, and the salvation deer; all of which emphasize the contradiction between aged Eastern spiritualism and modern Western economics.
You do a nice job explaining Matsuyama’s work and the experiences he brings to it. This is a good summary of the show and his influences. I would go into detail about a couple specific pieces in the show. This would help get the readers interested in this show in particular, rather than his work in general. I like how you mention that his paintings are non-traditional but still have some Western influence. How else are they different? At the end of the second paragraph, you say, “His works are considered as abstracts”. I would get rid of this general opinion statement and include what these works are to you. There are some grammatical corrections needed and a few sentences I would rework, like: “vibrant world interplay the East and West esthetics into one show” and “Known for his technique in juxtaposition..”. Let me know if you have questions! : )
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think you do a great job describing Matsuyama as an artist, but as Liz said, I would discuss more examples from this show in particular. One thing I really like is how your excitement comes through. However, I also found some grammatical errors or awkward sentences. For example, I think the first two sentences should be reworked into one sentence. I think the second and third paragraph could be put into one as well, with specific references to works after you discuss his technique, relating these works to tgecomment you make about juxtaposing Japanese and American themes. One thing I think could also be discussed about this show was his use of the gallery space, especially that room with the sculpture. Also interesting was the carpeting, I would love to hear thoughts on this choice, if you find it relevant to the show.
ReplyDeleteI like how you set up the article, and you do a good job of presenting the basics of the exhibit, but I don't feel like I'm being presented with a review of the art. I would have liked more detail about the works being presented. What color palette does he use? What materials do his non-painted works use? How does the message of the individual pieces build up as a single show? I think you have a good start, but think of ways to make it sound more like something from you personally and less like the gallery's website. ^_^
ReplyDeleteI know that English isn't your first language, but unfortunately, the grammar and syntax of this article need to be revised. I will send you my edits by email, because there is no room for them here.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I rewrote my review again using the suggestions that you all mentioned.
ReplyDeleteEmeyers I didn't receive your email but again I really appreciate your help.