Not Held at Japan Society – “Anonymity”, Exhibition Opening, LoRiver Arts Gallery, Beacon, New York

May 22, 2004
past event image

“Anonymity”


Frescos & Etchings by Rieko Fujinami
May 22 – July 6, 2004


LoRiver Arts Gallery at 530 Main Street, Beacon, New York, is pleased to present “Anonymity” a show of viscerally haunting frescos and etchings by Rieko Fujinami.  Opening reception for the artist is Saturday, May 22, 5 – 8 pm.


Rieko Fujinami’s work brings us face to face with the anonymity of our own existence. Throughout the ages extraordinary circumstances of war, natural disaster and accident gradually dissolved incalculable identities into a pool of mere numbers of deceased and injured. Anonymous photographs, anonymous stories and anonymous lives remain, tugging at our innate universal memories. Fujinami digs deep behind the mask of anonymity capturing the ingrained essence of her own works.


Widely shown in Japan, and represented in permanent collections worldwide, Ms. Fujinami is an accomplished master in both fresco secco and copper plate etching techniques. It takes time for water and acid do their work in these processes. It is this “time” that allows for, and eventually reveals, the essence or unconscious feeling, that surfaces through the artist’s mark making as she works the plaster and metal.


Fujinami observes many “faces” revealed in a single being. “I’m amazed to find, in the face of a tough man, the momentary face of a gentle old woman, a wise old man beaming from the face of a small girl, or the flash of hidden anger suddenly revealed in the face of a timid soul.” Although her subjects are anonymous, the works in this show are extremely intimate and beg to communicate with the viewer. Installed on cool white gallery
walls, Fujinami’s large scale etchings speak tenderly to micro-sized frescos.


Rieko Fujinami recently moved to the US from Japan and, along with many international artists, has made her home in the burgeoning arts community of Beacon, New York. “Anonymity” is her second solo show in the US and should not be missed.


Gallery hours: Thursday through Monday, 11 am – 5 pm.
For more information please contact Kathleen Cooley (845) 831-7660.

Email:  [email protected]



 

  • May 22, 2004 – May 22, 2004