About

Flowers’ Shadow invites viewers into a world of stillness, contemplation and exceptional craft. This solo exhibition by Japanese–British artist Yuki Aruga, presents new works that explore the visual language of ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arranging), and the sentiment of chanoyu (the tea ceremony), through detailed oil paintings and the ancient craft of verre églomisé. The principles of these practices and rituals, shape both the meaning and composition of the works on display. From a distance, monumental flower heads appear sumptuous and immersive; on closer inspection, we are drawn into their precision, precarity and transience.

Aruga’s mixed heritage sits at the heart of her practice. Her work draws on East Asian philosophies and European still-life painting and religious iconography, creating a visual language of cultural in-betweenness to examine the theme of identity. Though Aruga employs highly detailed trompe-l’oeil techniques and endangered craft processes grounded in Western traditions, the work is conceptually shaped by Japanese aesthetics.

Since completing her Fellowship in Decorative Arts awarded by Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers at City & Guilds of London Art School, Aruga has incorporated historic techniques including verre églomisé, gilding, japanning and faux painted finishes into her practice. Master gilder Rian Kanduth and artist Tamiko O’Brien have acted as specialist advisors to the project, while Dr Ian Rowley from the Worshipful Company of Painter Stainers has sponsored the exhibition.

Private view, panel discussion and further events to be announced.

Please see www.yukiaruga.co.uk/NEWS for further details.