Jacqui caught up with local artists Kyoko Shirai and Zasha Skye to hear about their joint exhibition, Hajimari, with which is set to show this month.
Describe your upcoming exhibition at La Petite Galerie
The upcoming Exhibition ‘Hajimari’, meaning ‘new beginning’ in Japanese, is opening on Sunday, July 9th at 5 pm. The Exhibition will be an explorative space that brings people together as the Matariki New Year unfolds. It’s a celebration of colour, connection and all that surrounds us. We want to make people feel inspired by Kyoko’s almost surreal landscapes and nature work, to my colour-filled portraits.
What has inspired you both to come together to exhibit ?
We found that we both played and explored with the use of colour. We felt like although we work through different mediums from oil paint to pen work, our pieces complemented one another to tell a magic storyline that plays with the idea of ‘signifying new life’, as we go into the Matariki New Year.
We both wanted to come together to create and display a large series of works that intertwine with each other and which generate a sense of connection for the audience; hopefully wanting you to take a piece with you for your own home.
What influences both of your works?
Kyoko – My art draws on what I’ve seen and experienced from being Japanese and having spent time on Native American reservations throughout the United States, and the indigenous art of Aotearoa.
Zasha- I love trying to capture a motion in time, something that’s encapsulated forever. Although I play with a multitude of colour in my backgrounds, I really try to create a connection between the audience and the portrait itself.
How did you both develop your art skills?
Kyoko – Through years of constant drawing since childhood.
Zasha- I’ve been playing with oils for over five years now, and I’ve found that really just trying out different techniques and finding what works best for you is the best way to go. But really just having time. Having time to paint every day is the only way you can truly develop your skill.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Kyoko – It allows me to have time out from being a mother, wife and shop owner, plus I’m able to relax in my own headspace.
Zasha- I’ve found it to be a form of meditation and a way to take a step back from the constant stimulation we seem to be getting more and more of in our daily lives. But overall it’s a way to truly express myself and my thoughts that follow along with me.
What motivates you to create?
Kyoko – My husband, and seeing people’s reaction to what I draw, and not wanting to waste this talent gifted to me from God.
Zasha- Truly a love for art and how playful oil paint can be. If I can create a career out of something that I love to do every day, then I am endlessly motivated to get better and better.
Tell us about the opening and what to expect.
The opening will be on Sunday 9th of July, from 5 pm till 8 pm. It’s a time to come together and celebrate one another, as Matariki and ‘new life’ unfolds – ‘Hajimari’. Ulo’s Kitchen will be providing finger foods, along with drinks from Workshop Brewery, as well as Cian DJing tunes throughout the evening.
Kyoko will also be painting live at The Yard on Friday 7th July from 8-11 pm. This evening will help to show people her creative process, alongside projections of her previous artwork and a soundtrack supplied by her husband Cian DJing.
When : Opening Night 9th July, 5 pm till 8 pm. Open daily 10th – 16th July, 10 am till 3 pm
Where : La Petite Galerie, 19c Bow Street, Raglan
Contact : 0225897889
Instagram : @ulo.raglan @zashaskye
