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.

WORKSHOP – Wednesday 13 May, 4:30–6:00 PM – Make a Decorative Gilded Glass Coaster

Discover verre églomisé with Yuki Aruga. Learn water gilding on glass and create your own decorative gilded glass coaster to take home.

Join artist Yuki Aruga for a 1.5-hour workshop set within her solo exhibition Flower’s Shadow at The White Box, Nobu Hotel Portman Square, London.

You’ll be introduced to the art of verre églomisé – water gilding on glass – and guided step-by-step to create your own 8 × 8 cm gilded glass coaster using gold leaf. Working from your own design or a provided template, you’ll gain hands-on experience with this historic decorative technique. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a finished piece and a foundational understanding of gilding on glass.

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