A New Artistic Collaboration: Light and Shadow Exhibition at Art Basel Paris
Introduction to the Exhibition
The upcoming Light and Shadow exhibition, hosted by A-Poc Able Issey Miyake, promises to be a captivating blend of art and fashion. Set to take place during Art Basel Paris from October 24 to 26, the exhibition will showcase a series of photograms by contemporary artist Eugene Kangawa. This innovative project will be held at the Lycée Turgot Paris, located at 40 Rue Volta in the city’s vibrant third district.
Inspiration Behind the Project
Kangawa’s work, particularly his series titled “Light and shadow inside me (2022-),” serves as the foundation for this exhibition. This series began as explorations of green paintings and sunlight, utilizing fading as a medium. Over time, it evolved into monochrome photograms that rely solely on paper and light. In a statement, Kangawa expressed how Issey Miyake’s human-centered philosophy resonates with his artistic exploration of existence.
Collaborative Efforts
For the past three years, Kangawa has collaborated closely with Yoshiyuki Miyamae, the designer behind A-Poc Able. This partnership has led to the creation of new textiles inspired by Kangawa’s artistic vision. The exhibition will not only display these textiles but also feature test pieces, artwork, and creative tools that highlight the collaborative process.
Architect Tsuyoshi Tane is responsible for the exhibition’s design, ensuring that the space reflects the themes of light and shadow that are central to Kangawa’s work. Attendees can look forward to guided tours led by both Kangawa and Miyamae, as well as hands-on workshops that invite participants to engage with the artistic process.
The Artistic Philosophy
Miyamae elaborated on the inspiration drawn from Kangawa’s aesthetic philosophy, which emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow. He noted that this project encouraged the A-Poc Able team to return to the fundamental elements of fabric-making, starting with a single thread. By using only black and white threads, the team explored variations in weave patterns and density, effectively translating the phenomena of photographic paper and light into the language of textiles.
The Journey Ahead
Following its debut in Paris, the Light and Shadow exhibition is set to travel to Tokyo and Osaka. In a significant move, it will find a permanent home starting in 2026 at the Eugene Museum in Bali, further solidifying the collaboration’s impact on the global art and fashion landscape.
Historical Context of A-Poc
A-Poc, which stands for “A Piece of Cloth,” was first introduced in 1998 as part of Issey Miyake’s broader vision of rethinking the elements of clothing design. The concept emphasizes the importance of starting with a single thread, allowing for a more holistic approach to garment creation. This philosophy has paved the way for innovative designs that challenge traditional notions of fashion.
Conclusion
The Light and Shadow exhibition at Art Basel Paris represents a unique intersection of art and fashion, showcasing the collaborative spirit between Eugene Kangawa and A-Poc Able Issey Miyake. With its focus on the fundamental elements of light and shadow, the exhibition not only highlights the creative process but also invites viewers to engage with the deeper themes of existence and perception. As it travels from Paris to Tokyo and eventually to Bali, this exhibition is poised to leave a lasting impact on the art and fashion communities worldwide.
