the beauty of artistry presents with HARUKA KOJIN - MAMIMOZI - MARIKO MORI - NAOKO TOSA - SHIHOKO FUKUMOTO June 1 - August 31 2024 #shuatjapanhouse curating an exhibition Shu Uemura is a Japanese beauty brand, founded by the eponymous Shu Uemura in 1967 that blends elements of science and art, to create contemporary makeup, innovative skincare and high-quality professional man-crafted tools originated in Japan. Mr Shu Uemura was a pioneering and innovative makeup artist born in Tokyo in 1928, who revolutionised the art of makeup through his creativity and skill. The founder died in 2008, leaving the artistic direction of the brand to his protégé, Kakuyasu Uchiide. After a few years of focusing on the Asian market, the brand relaunched in the UK in October 2023 marking a new era for the brand. Through the years, Shu Uemura always has been a pioneer in highlighting traditional Japanese art and handcrafting, as the founder believed it was essential to keep alive and celebrate centenary practices. The brand’s philosophy centres around the idea that makeup is an art form, and they believe in the power of artistic expression through cosmetics setting itself apart in the beauty industry. The brand’s dedication to creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression resonates with consumers who view makeup as a form of self-expression and art. This unique exhibition aims to expose a long-term commitment to educating the public on the values of eclipsing tradition and heritage in a time of rapid change and technological advancement exposing Japanese artists who align with Shu Uemura’s values and ethos. The exhibition also provides an opportunity to experience first-hand some traditional artistic methods of craftsmanship through the workshops at Japan House London in which the participants can gain an understanding of the basic principles of some artistries. The Beauty of Artistry ‘The Beauty of Artistry’ at the Japan House by Shu Uemura offers a unique experience to explore aspects of artistic expression, creativity and beauty through renowned Japanese artists. This exhibition explores the relationship between cultural heritage and modernity. More specifically, the exhibition serves as an opportunity to showcase the artists’ innovative approaches, blending together artistic techniques and mediums to showcase the beauty that emerges. The exhibition examines the manner in which these artists derive inspiration from traditional Japanese art and cultural practices, while simultaneously incorporating contemporary elements into their work. By reinterpreting and revitalising traditional artistries in a modern context, the artists manifest the evolution of cultural aesthetics and contribute to the ongoing narrative of innovation. The exploration of identity and self-expression is further emphasised through this exhibition. Through their artworks, the featured artists delve into themes related to identity, presenting their personal narratives and unique perspectives. Lastly, the intersection between art and technology is explored throughout this exhibition. The exhibition highlights the artists’ integration of technology within their creative processes, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and redefining traditional notions of beauty. Shu Uemura invites viewers to immerse themselves in a dynamic conversation between different mediums and artistic styles, stimulating new ideas and fresh perspectives. Shihoko Fukumoto Shihoko Fukumoto is infamous as one of Japan’s leading specialists in shibori and indigo dying. Shihoko Fukumoto was born in Shimizu, Japan in 1945. The artist uses traditional Japanese indigo dyeing techniques. However, it is the artist’s selection of materials from linen, hemp and pineapple fibre that makes her work stand out. Fukumoto expresses her opinion of her work: “I have always felt that the colour of the natural indigo dye of Japan has about it a spirituality; a special purity and beauty”. Her labour-intensive and age-old techniques used within her work create a fresh perspective of beauty, producing bold and delicately beautiful work that showcases both traditional and modern elements. Presented in the Gallery Hall is a 12-piece installation named ‘Time Space’. The installation demonstrates a series of cloth panes suspended one in front of the other, each cloth repeats a similar set of colours and designs - a light blue and white circle inside a darker blue square. The colours of the central circle shift and change in each cloth, while the deep blue of the outer square stays the same, suggesting both the natural time of the moon, months, seasons and tides, and the eternal time of the universe itself. Shihoko Fukumoto’s inclusion in the exhibition provides a deeper understanding into the influence of Japanese cultural heritage on contemporary artistic practices. Moreover, her artworks serve in highlighting the diversity of artistic techniques used throughout this exhibition. Haruka Kojin Haruka Kojin, a renowned Japanese artist known for her beautiful contact lens compositions, was born in Hiroshima, 1983. Haruka Kojin’s meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of light results in her art seamlessly merging the boundaries between reality and illusion, transforming the human eye into a tool for interpretation. The artist’s extraordinary creation captures the imagination of visitors to the gallery space. Haruka Kojin has an extraordinary talent for merging the realms of art and beauty, the artist’s contact lens compositions created for ‘The Beauty of Artistry’ experience showcases the diverse and unconventional ways our eyes can experience different worlds through the distortion of reality. Haruka Kojin compositions use two types of lenses, one uses a completely flat and clear structure, while the other uses a warped surface to create interconnected circles of varying sizes; as light travels through the acrylic, the images on the other side are flipped and contorted, changing the experience of the space. Through this exhibition, the presentation of the work by Haruka Kojin aims to highlight the beauty that emerges when artistry transcends boundaries, blurring the lines between the tangible and the intangible. The artist’s contact lens compositions serve to explore the multifaceted nature of visual perception and the transformative power of art, illusion and beauty. Haruka Kojin invites viewers to question their perception, contemplate the nature of reality and appreciate the infinite possibilities art offers in reshaping our understanding of the world around us. Mariko Mori Mariko Mori was born in Tokyo, 1967 and is one of the most acclaimed Japanese artists in modern times. The artist’s work embodies a fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics, spirituality and contemporary technology. Thus, creating a captivating juxtaposition between ancient cultural traditions and the ever-evolving modern world. This convergence resonates with Shu Uemura’s ethos by pushing boundaries and embracing creativity. This exhibition showcases Mariko Mori - ‘Cycloid V’: a large-scale, abstract organic form exemplifying the artist’s distinctive style and vision. ‘Cycloid V’ embodies a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese influences including elements of Zen Buddhism, Shintoism and the appreciation for nature found in Japanese art and culture. The artwork further explores the concept of the eternal cycle of the universe where birth and death are repeated, emphasising the belief of reincarnation and the interconnectedness of humanity. Moreover, the installation profoundly explores the boundaries of artistic expression by utilising cutting-edge technology. Mariko Mori ‘Cycloid V’ aligns with the overarching concept of the current exhibition by exploring the beauty of artistry and how it resonates with individuals. ‘Cycloid V’ serves as a captivating visual representation of the links between art, beauty and the human experience, drawing attention to the essence of the exhibition. MAMIMOZI MAMIMOZI is a calligrapher from Yamaguchi, the artist is known for merging Japanese calligraphy with graffiti establishing a new style named ‘Calligraf2ity’. This style fuses elements of traditional Japanese calligraphy with Hip Hop culture. The artist’s solo exhibitions and performances have been shown in over 40 countries, bringing a fresh perspective on traditional Japanese calligraphy by incorporating a contemporary twist. The exhibited work by MAMIMOZI is the original work created for the inauguration event at the Japan House London. Inspired by the work of MAMIMOZI, Shu Uemura artistic director Kakuyasu Uchiide produced a makeup look influenced by the spirit and dynamic movement of calligraphy. To watch the performance check: japanhouselondon.uk. The collaboration between MAMIMOZI and Shu Uemura started in 2022 to showcase the highest level of self-expression and synergy between traditional and contemporary art forms. MAMIMOZI contribution to this exhibition extends to hosting a workshop on 14.06.2024, where the artist shares her knowledge and teaches the basics of calligraphy. Naoko Tosa With the hall space entirely dedicated and transformed to showcase Naoko Tosa’s work, the inclusion of the artist captivates visitors by adding to the immersive experience of this exhibition. The showcased video demonstrates a symphony of images highlighting the ingredients found in Shu Uemura’s makeup products. As visitors immerse themselves in the visual and auditory spectacle, the space transforms into a tranquil retreat evoking a sense of serenity and calmness. The concept of Naoko Tosa work is to express the relationship between different media such as voices/ sounds and images. “I believe that behind the creation of each artwork, there should be a relation between the artwork and the cultural context. Therefore, my artworks are a fusion of art, Japanese culture, and technology,” says Tosa. The artist’s work shows her remarkable ability to seamlessly merge art with technology, using her innovative approach to media art to captivate viewers and take them on a visual journey. Tosa invites viewers to embark on a sensory exploration, blurring the boundaries between art and beauty. The exhibition aims to foster a deeper connection between the viewers and the creations on display, emphasising the inclusive nature of artistry in the hope to invite visitors to explore their artistic inclinations. For further information and bookings