Tomio Koyama Gallery Tokyo - Kyoto | TKG Editions　Ginza - Kyoto

TKG Editions Kyoto will feature Nana Funo, "Imagination on the Grass" from June 19th to July 25th. Small paintings of 20 x 20 cm with various motifs will fill the exhibition space. Below is the interview with the artist on this series along with some images.

——— Can you explain about the exhibition title, "Imagination on the Grass", in the relation to the theme of the series?

Funo I always long for the sense of 'somewhere else'. I am on the grass with nice breeze, not hot, not cold. I would run very fast like I am rolling....I imagine that because I am always at my studio, that's why I mentioned 'the grass', but I would turn my thoughts toward somewhere else if I am actually on the grass.

——— Your titles are very interesting. Did you give them after painting? Or you already had them on your thoughts?

Funo I thought of stories of images like illustration for books, or music while painting. They would, however, disappear when I finish. So I tried to remember them and make titles. Sometimes I came up with some phrases and then painted.

——— You have told us that this series is like illustrations for stories. I see lots of trees and forests. Are they the illustration for stories?

Funo These trees and forests are the ones in my parents' house's garden, a shrine near my studio, and scenes of the stories. Stories always develop in these forests.

——— Unsettledness, anxiety, impossibility....these senses are scattered through the series. How are they related to your act of painting and producing.

Funo They are closely related to my act of creation. For example, when I feel uncomfortable, I would wish I had a pen and paper. I would feel the same way if I am comfortable and happy as well, though...

——— Can you tell us some episodes, fun or trouble, during the production of this series?

Funo I completed this series (*approximately 100 pieces) in 2 months. I was at my studio all the time, from morning till night, or evening till morning. Looking back, it was as if I was in the dream. I had just finished very large piece, near 4 m, so I told myself 'let's paint lots of small ones. Maybe 100 of them.' I ended up painting a little bit more. I was like leaving the reality, feeling wooly yet very sharp at the same time. That was wonderful feelings.

She seems to have the unlimited source of imagination and creativity.
Please feel it at the exhibition space. We will feature large paintings at Tomio Koyama Gallery Kyoto. Info will be coming soon!