HIROAKI ONUMA
19 November 2022 - 14 January 2023
Opening Reception: Saturday 19 November, 5 - 7pm
WALKING IN THE RHYTHM!; 2022; Oil on Canvas; Approx 31.5” x 23.5” (80 x 60cm).
Peter Augustus is pleased to present MAGIC LOVE by Amsterdam-based Japanese artist Hiroaki Onuma. This is the artist’s second solo show with the gallery.
Onuma’s abstract visual language comes from his unique method of painting. At various times throughout the process, he turns the canvas on its side or upside down to continue adding shapes and forms in contrasting orientations. Experimenting with different tints and shades, the artist incorporates multiple layers into each painting to create the final composition. After the initial captivation of the overall painting, the real intrigue of Onuma’s work is what you see as each layer is discovered.
Born and raised in the countryside of Japan, the artist was greatly affected by the mono-cultured environment that surrounded him. Early on as an escape from reality, Onuma discovered anime, incorporating the characters – specifically the outlines of the monsters and creatures – into his childhood paintings. Unknowingly, this would lay the foundation for his future artistic style which he developed while studying for a degree in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins (2016).
To create atmosphere while working on the exhibition (and hence the exhibition’s title), the artist often listened to the song “Magic Love” by Japanese band, Fishmans. Onuma notes that the song’s repetitive beat and hypnotic chorus allowed him to paint rhythmically as if he was floating across the canvas.
Please join us at the gallery to explore Onuma’s world.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Born in 1988 in Fukuoka and raised in Tochigi, Japan, Onuma holds a Fine Art Degree from Central Saint Martins (2016) and a Fashion Business Diploma from Mejiro Fashion Design College (2009). Onuma has had a steady exhibition schedule throughout Europe over the past 6 years, being featured in several solo and group shows, including: Dreams Come True, Peter Augustus (2021); Pacific Breeze II, White Conduit Project, London (2021); Day Dream, Sobering Galerie, Paris (2020); Dream Monster, (IM)MATERIAL, Amsterdam (2020); Colorful Monsters, September Tokyo, Amsterdam (2019); 101 Monsters, Fuiji Build, Hiroshima, Japan (2018); SALON NIPPON, Het Garage, Amsterdam (2018); What Now, Candid Arts Trust, London (2017).
For press and sales inquiries, please contact:
Peter Augustus Owen
peter@peteraugustusgallery.com
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SELECTION OF WORKS FROM THE EXHIBITION:
Baby Blue; 2022; Oil on Canvas; Approx 80x60cm.
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Let’s Go!; 2022; Oil on Canvas; Approx 90x80cm.-
Sunny Blue; 2022; Oil on canvas; Approx 75x60cm.
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