KEN WADA
“INNER VISIONS-OUTER REALITIES”
AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
Piet Mondrian stated, “It is possible that, throughout horizontal and vertical lines constructed with awareness, but not with calculation, led by high intuition, and brought to harmony and rhythm, these basic forms of beauty, supplemented if necessary by other direct lines or curves, can become a work of art, as strong as it is true.” Like Mondrian, contemporary Japanese artist Ken Wada discovers the purity of line and form as he paints layered patterns onto his canvases. Fusing cyclical brushwork which dances in harmony, Mr. Wada creates dimensional patterns that rein in arresting hues of red and white. In his latest “White and Red” painting series, Mr. Wada explores different weight of lines and intensity of pigment throughout his patterned compositions. Drawing inspiration from his childhood calligraphy practices, Mr. Wada intensifies the spontaneous, yet controlled, compositions of his series through loose brushstrokes, variant hues of red, and repetition of form that lends a sense of dynamism to his paintings. Strong forms and the vibrancy of the red compel the viewer into the highest echelons of inspiration and stimulation. Intentionally dripping paint from his brush application contributes additional texture, while visually elongating each canvas. Layering red and white paint, Mr. Wada adds visual depth and establishes a profound complexity within the seemingly simple pattern. Packed full of emotion and personal experience, each work is an intricate web of anecdotes or observations that are expressed vividly with turbulent swaths of paint. This inscribed and abstracted interpretation of language generates a dimensional relief, resulting in a distinct imprint of place, time and experience. Achieving both subtle and dramatic contrast with his use of only two pigments, Mr. Wada’s expressive execution perfectly marries painterly abstraction with linguistic brushwork. The viewer is enticed by the varied surface patterns, which invite the viewer to become an active participant. Compiled together, his visual syntax challenges the viewer to evaluate our world. Mr. Wada’s series conveys action, serenity, and passion, causing a total spiritual awakening in the observer while encompassing the entire capacity of human sensibilities. Lyrical and rhythmic, Mr. Wada intensifies the spontaneous, yet controlled composition of his “White and Red” series through unexpected texture and layering.
Born in Matudo, Japan, award-winning Mr. Wada currently lives and works in Tokyo. Exhibiting extensively throughout England, Japan, Europe, and the United States, Mr. Ken Wada is of international recognition and is featured in both public and private collections.
