Artist: Kiyomi Shelley
Exhibition: Most recent – Seeds of Contemplation
Media: Interdisciplinary art – printmaking – fiber
Website: http://www.kiyomifukui.com/
Instagram: @kiyomimiz
About the Artist
Kiyomi Fukui is a Japanese-American artist who lives in Long Beach, California. She attended California State University Long Beach and received a MFA in Printmaking. She also achieved a BFA in Graphics Design from La Sierra University. While many of her pieces consists of print-based artwork, Kiyomi showcases participatory performance and fiber arts. Her work attempts to capture transient intimacy, irrespective of media. In other words, the feeling of closeness in a short period of time.
Formal Analysis
Her pieces consist of small to large creations. Kiyomis’s prints incorporate lithography and monotype primarily. Colors vary, but thet are mainly black, white, green, and blue. As for her other pieces, she makes various tiny figures that are made out of plant based items such as seeds, dirt, paper, etc. . A majority of her work involves people however. Her projects such as Apologetic Garden and Rise Above focus on transient intimacy which creates a feeling of togetherness. Overall, her work feeds off a down to earth aroma while utilizing earth friendly products.
Content Analysis
Focusing on Kiyomi’s project, Apologetic Garden, her guests wrote their personal apologies on paper and sealed them inside a handmade envelope with some seeds in it. After they would then plant the envelopes in a garden bed. This activities purpose is to somehow deal with guilt that we cannot communicate with anyone. By planting their apologies, its a way to reconcile our inner guilt and create something meaningful. I believe this exhibition is the best example to get just a taste of what Kiyomi’s work is based off of. Kiyomi states that “the apologies have sprouted, and still growing strongly.” #apologeticgarden
My Experience
Right off the bat, the design of her work/studio/exhibitions/projects immediately gave me a sense of calmness. Maybe its because of the array of green products she uses to create her pieces. I really resonate with her metaphorical approach with plants. Such as the Apologetic Garden project. The idea of the apologies growing and rooting from the grown was a powerful concept in my opinion. Many life experiences can be be relived in someway with her creative ideas. She is a very talented artist who is able to put forth powerful ideas with very simple items.
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