KUMIKAHO OSHIMA

Elegy in Plastic

2018

Kumikaho Oshima, a pioneering force in the realm of Japanese contemporary art, wields the brush as a tool of societal critique, employing satire to dissect the relentless encroachment of Western influences into the fabric of Japanese culture. Firmly rooted in the neo-pop art movement sweeping across Japan, Oshima's works stand as both a rebellion against and a contemplation of the appropriation of Western symbols and values. At the heart of Oshima's artistic narrative lies a profound examination of the shifting morals and desires of Japanese women. Symbolized by the ubiquitous presence of Barbie dolls and the ever-present gaze of US dollars, her canvases become a stage where societal ideals are unravelled. Barbie dolls, often emblems of unattainable beauty standards, represent the superficial ideals imposed upon modern women. Concurrently, the dollars signify an illusionary pinnacle, a supposed ultimate need for these seemingly liberated individuals, entangled in a web of materialistic pursuits. Oshima, provocatively employing motifs of nudity and orgies, challenges societal norms and ventures into the complex terrain of body commodification. Within her subdued palette of earthy and fleshy tones, she imparts a washed-out ambiance to her paintings, creating an intriguing dichotomy between subtlety and intensity. Her scenes, despite their muted tones, pulsate with sensuality and evoke fierce emotions. As a painter adeptly embracing photographic techniques, Oshima deliberately situates her subjects off-center, infusing her compositions with a sense of drama and dynamism. The close-up shots, focusing on the peculiar fusion of naked body parts from Barbie dolls and intricate details of US dollars, serve as a magnifying lens for her social commentary, intensifying the impact of her provocative narrative. Belonging to a dynamic cohort of contemporary female Japanese artists, Oshima's aspirations extend beyond national borders. A proud member of Studio Crazy Noodles, a collective specializing in Japanese neo-pop and the provocative portrayal of female characters engaged in subversive activities, she stands as a beacon of fearlessness and ambition. Oshima has meticulously crafted a style that is both consistent and distinctive, resonating powerfully with an international audience. Her work transcends artistic norms, initiating dialogues that challenge established conventions and firmly establishes her as a courageous voice in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.