At the group exhibition ” BREAKTHROUGH – New and Rising Japanese Artists ” held in the radiant city of New York, Shinonome participated as one of the up-and-coming Japanese artists.
■Group Exhibition Title: BREAKTHROUGH – New and Rising Japanese Artists
■Exhibition Periods:
1st Period: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 – Sunday, May 12, 2024
2nd Period: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – Sunday, May 19, 2024
■Venue: One Art Space
Official Website: https://oneartspace.com/
In the ever-evolving city of New York, a group exhibition titled “BREAKTHROUGH – New and Rising Japanese Artists” featuring selected up-and-coming Japanese artists was held in the Tribeca area, located at the southernmost part of the city.
Shinonome presented an embroidered work in the style of a traditional picture scroll, titled ‘The Dreams of a Swallow,’ a format he excels in. The story behind it is based on the legend that ‘the bird of happiness, the swallow, receives a soul from the mother sea, and when the time comes, it takes flight into the sky, becoming a being of brilliance.’ Inspired by this legend, the unseen floating world as viewed by the swallow is boldly yet delicately stitched onto an entire piece of silk fabric, dyed in a beautiful gradient.
The “Dreams of the Swallow,” radiating a unique presence while remaining graceful and elegant, captivated the visitors’ attention. The gradient of colors and the particularly intricate and meticulous embroidery in the details left a profound impression and amazement on those who viewed it.
During the group exhibition, Mr. Shinonome did not travel to the U.S. due to his production schedule, but Kentarou Totsuka, an art director based in New York, provided a critique.
“I was deeply moved by the unique presence of the embroidery and the beauty of the handcraft. I would also like to see the embroidery energy in other works”
Mr. Shinonome, who had always hoped to send his works to New York someday, is reflecting on this opportunity.
First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the individuals involved for their support and cooperation in making this exhibition possible.
Initially, I had declined the invitation. This was because, after delivering works for the previous exhibition in Paris, the timeframe for this group show was less than six months. Given that my technique involves embroidery, which requires meticulous, incremental progress, I judged that it would be impossible to complete a work that meets my standards from conception to finish within the given timeframe.
However, repeated encouragement and a lingering desire within me to one day have the opportunity to present my work in New York reminded me of pieces that were still in progress. Therefore, without this opportunity, “The Dreams of the Swallow” might never have been completed or seen by you all.
In a manner akin to the story that inspired the theme of the work, this event has become like a swallow flying across the sky after sleeping in the sea. I feel as though I am dreaming, and I want to express my thanks for what has been an exhibition filled with a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
Shinonome