Back to Okiya : an onyx silent ballet, 2022
Ryoko Watanabe

Sculpture : resin

170 x 85 x 30 cm 66.9 x 33.5 x 11.8 inch

€32,000

One of the last works available by this artist

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About the artwork

Type

Numbered and limited to 8 copies

1 copy available

Signature

Engraved signature

Authenticity

Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the artist

Invoice from the gallery


Dimensions cm inch

170 x 85 x 30 cm 66.9 x 33.5 x 11.8 inch Height x Width x Depth

Display

The sculpture can be displayed outdoors


Tags

Portrait

Wall sculpture

Women

Black

Artwork sold in perfect condition

Artwork location: France

Resin painted and varnished

The artwork is signed by the Artist, carved with edition number and date back of the artwork

Serie “Wall Whispers : Breathing Life into Silence"

In the enchanting realm of Ryoko Watanabe's artistic universe, the series “Wall Whispers: Breathing Life into Silence" unfolds as a delicate dance between tradition and innovation. Each wall sculpture, meticulously crafted, tells a story of geishas and sumotori seemingly emerging from the very fabric of the wall, bringing life to the once-silent surface.

The series begins with the subtle elegance of the geishas. Watanabe's sculpted figures, draped in flowing kimono, convey a timeless beauty that transcends the boundaries of the wall. The geishas, frozen in graceful poses, appear to step out of the shadows, their delicate features and intricate details breathing life into the silence that surrounds them. It is as if the wall itself whispers tales of elegance and tradition, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Japan.

As the series progresses, the energy shifts to the robust presence of sumotori. The wall sculptures capture the raw power and disciplined strength of these iconic figures. With each piece, Watanabe sculpts the sumotori in dynamic poses, their muscular forms seemingly pushing against the confines of the wall. The interplay between strength and stillness creates a visual tension, turning the wall into a canvas where the spirit of sumo wrestling comes alive.

The amalgamation of geishas and sumotori in this series creates a harmonious dialogue between grace and strength, tradition and contemporaneity. The wall sculptures become a testament to Watanabe's ability to breathe life into the silence of the wall, transforming it into a stage where the stories of these iconic figures unfold.

In “Wall Whispers," the choice of materials and the careful attention to detail elevate the sculptures beyond mere artistic representation. The shadows cast by the protruding forms add depth and nuance, enhancing the illusion that geishas and sumotori are indeed stepping out from the wall. The play of light and shadow becomes an integral part of the narrative, creating an ever-changing visual symphony.

This series, in essence, invites viewers to listen closely to the whispers of the wall, to feel the pulse of tradition and strength reverberating through the sculpted forms. Ryoko Watanabe, with her masterful craftsmanship, breathes life into silence, turning each wall sculpture into a portal that transcends the boundaries between art and reality. “Wall Whispers" is not just a series of sculptures; it is a captivating exploration of cultural resonance, where the wall becomes a storyteller and the sculptures, the protagonists of an ongoing, silent narrative.

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About the seller

galerie jacob paulett • France

Artsper seller since 2014

Vetted Seller


Japan  • 1973

Presentation

Ryoko Watanabe is a Japanese artist born in 1973 in Sapporo, Japan.

He draws his inspiration from the cultural heritage of his region and from the power of Japanese stereotypes such as Sumotori, Geishas and Samourai Warriors. She exploits these subjects with talent and turns stereotypes to her advantage by exploiting their reputation in order to convey an artistic message. In the artist's work we can perceive a strong nostalgia and a desire to preserve the cultural heritage of Japan and its unique personages which are part of the country's history.

In her paintings she depicts subjects such as the culture of her country with a unique technique that combines ancient Japanese elements with those of modern life in Japan. What is more striking than her choice of subjects such as the Sumotoris or the Samourais is where she places these subjects. Instead of placing them in traditional arenas or castles, they are placed on crowded streets, buses or in subway stations in an attemp to create a humorous contrast. Her technique consists in always putting her subjects on the foreground and in color, even if the background is left black and white. This way she draws attention to them and places them at the center of the viewer's attention.

Since 2008, her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries all around the world.
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