Hideaki Kawashima

Fan (Hand-finished)

€2,250

Artwork

Edition of 20

Hand-finished

Frame included

Shipping within 4 weeks

In a series of hand-finished prints, Hideaki Kawashima reflects on becoming who you once looked up to.

The Japanese term ‘ojisan’ – used by younger generations in reference to characteristically stubborn middle aged men – is equal parts affectionate, mocking and deferential. With Fan, Kawashima returns to his adolescent view of such figures, staging relationships between a youthful sitter and portraits looking on from behind.

“When I was younger, I often couldn’t understand what Ojisan were saying, but now that I have become an Ojisan myself, It seems reasonable that I did not understand them. This series is a tribute to my predecessors, who guided me in this way.”

The framed portraits are individually painted by the artist in gouache, making every print unique. Most feature archetypal Ojisan, while some reprise the artwork’s subject – shifting the notion of being a ‘fan’ to one of self love. The nondescript book she is engrossed by absorbs this subtext – a novel filled with wisdom from the past, or a diary penned moments ago?

Because of the time consuming nature of the hand-finishing process, only ten prints will be ready to dispatch at launch on Wednesday 15 November. The remaining ten will be completed in early 2024.

Fan (Hand-finished) is accompanied by an edition of 30 prints featuring a portrait of renowned Japanese writer Yukio Mishima.

Portrait photo of Hideaki Kawashima in a black sweater

Hideaki Kawashima4 collaborationsHideaki Kawashima uses portraiture to expose the ambiguities of human life. Rendered in subdued palettes of seamlessly-blended oils, his wide-eyed characters express a spectrum of emotions: fear, desire, angst, longing. Said emotions, however, are never singular or overt. Similarly, androgynous facial features set gender identities in flux and small ghost-like creatures symbolise the blurred boundary between physical and spiritual realms. Playful touches of folklore, mythology and surrealism surface throughout, drawing influence from painters such as Mark Ryden and Pierre et Gilles. Having emerged in 1990s Japan alongside artists like Yoshitomo Nara, Kawashima’s work sits within the Superflat movement, contributing to the establishment of rich new legacies for manga and anime-influenced figuration.

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appart from a incredible opportunity to own and enjoy an Ai Weiwei the packaging was exemplary. i have worked pretty much my whole life in the art and museum sector and this impressed me very much, well sone you guys 👍🏻
Review of Guardian
Beyond my expectations and Avante Arte will be my only source for online art. No others compare to the artists and perfectionism that Avante Arte offers. Thank you.
Review of Guardian
The work is absolutely stunning! The embossing, thick paper, it impressively captures Condo’s oil gestures and overall vibrance…
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Great service overall, makes an easy process for buying and shipping art which is typically difficult and expensive.
Review of Guardian
Outstanding presentation, looking forward to ordering more artwork.
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thank you for the breath of life you bring the art community, you are the poet laureate's of packaging and one day gods will sing your praises. i am in heaven with this purchase!
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
Excellent framing
Review of La Nascita
Extremely happy with the artwork but also the online insight to the production and interview with the artist. The shipping and packaging are very considered and I look forward to seeing ( & buying ) other pieces
Review of Guardian

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