“Light of Langsuir” delves into the mystical and sensory realm of Kazutaka Shioi, where the realms of nature and spirituality merge in profound harmony. Rooted in Shinto philosophy, Shioi’s work transcends visual art to offer a deeply tactile and immersive experience.
During his time at the Barehands Residency in Akaldiulu, Shioi discovered Langsuir leaves, which he has seamlessly integrated into his art, revitalizing his practice with their unique essence. These leaves, alongside the delicate hues of Yamewashi paper and the captured images from Ulu Langat, bridge heritage with innovation. Shioi’s creations foster a meditative dialogue between humanity and the natural world, encouraging us to reflect on our connection to nature and our place within it.
About Barehands Residency
Barehands Residency (BR) was co-founded in 2010 by Malaysian master printmaker Juhari Said. It is located on his 4.5-acre land known as Akaldiulu in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. Initially established as a collaborative project between Juhari and fellow artists from Jordan, Indonesia and Japan. BR has steadily grown over the years, welcoming participants from the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan and beyond. The residency has held successful series in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and most recently in 2023; each fostering an environment of creativity and cross-cultural dialogue.
Artist Statement
In recent years, I have been creating three-dimensional works using photographs as materials. This is an attempt to conceptualize light as an object by capturing light from around the world in photographs. In Japanese mythology, the light of the sun is the beginning of all things and signifies the supreme deity. In analogy to this, I may say that I find divinity in the light of places that I myself find beautiful. I embody the light of the site, creating an experience that touches the invisible presence of the site.
For this residency, I wanted to create a work that would embody the presence of the site that I felt through my life in Akaldiulu, so I began using a plant called Paku Langsuir that was found living in the studio garden. This fern plant is said to symbolize a female ghost in Malaysian mythology. By combining light collected in there with local materials, I expect to create a work that overlaps Malaysian and Japanese mythology.
近年、私は写真を素材とした立体作品を制作しています。世界各地の光を写真に収め、観念的に光を物体化させる試みです。日本神話において太陽の光は全ての始まりであり、最高神を意味します。これに準えるならば、私は自分自身が美しいと感じた場の光に神性を見出していると言えるのかもしれません。土地の光を具現化し、目に見えない場の気配に触れる体験を作り出しているのです。
今回のレジデンスでは、Akaldiulu（アカルディウル）での生活を通じて感じた土地の気配を作品にしようと考え、スタジオの庭に生息していた Paku Langsuir（パク・ランスウィヤー）という植物を使って制作を始めました。このシダ植物は、マレーシアの神話で女性の亡霊を象徴していると言われています。この地で採取した光と地元の素材を融合させることで、マレーシアと日本の神話が重なり合うような作品ができるのではないかと期待しています。
Kazutaka Shioi Solo Exhibition “Light of Langsuir”
7 -13 September 2024
National Art Gallery Langkawi
No 46, 47 dan 48, Jalan Pelangi 2 Dayang Walk Commercial Square Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Officiated by Tsukamoto Norihisa
Director of The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur
In partnership:
Akaldiulu
Uku Private Gallery
A.P Art Gallery
Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur
Supported by
MyCreative Ventures
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