Aesop hosted an introduction exhibition of new works by artists Damon Kowarsky and Kyoko Imazu this week in Hong Kong. Damon studied printmaking at the Victorian College of the Arts and Glasgow School of Arts, and advanced figure drawing at RMIT; Kyoko trained in printmaking, visual arts and design at RMIT.
Aesop hosts Damon Kowarsky and Kyoko Imazu ‘Along The River’ Exhibition
Kyoko Imazu and Damon Kowarsky met at Australian Print Workshop in 2008 and have collaborated since 2010. Their work explores themes including nature, science, art and technology.
Aesop hosts Damon Kowarsky and Kyoko Imazu ‘Along The River’ Exhibition
Over the last three years they have exhibited regularly in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Japan. In 2011 they travelled to Tokyo to install their prints at Aesop Aoyama, visit museums and galleries and research ideas for new work. In 2013 they returned to Japan as part of a travel scholarship from the Japan Foundation Sydney.
Aesop hosts Damon Kowarsky and Kyoko Imazu ‘Along The River’ Exhibition
Aesop hosts Damon Kowarsky and Kyoko Imazu ‘Along The River’ Exhibition
Kyoko Imazu was born in Japan and has lived in Australia since 2002. She has exhibited her work throughout the Asia-Pacific region including Bus Projects, Port Jackson Press, McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park, Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, and the Tokyo National Art Centre.
Kowarsky has traveled extensively in North Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. The architecture of each of these regions, particularly those of Yemen, Djibouti and Ethiopia, and the colours of earth and sky inspire much of his work.
Both Kyoko and Damon produce their prints from copper plates following a simple etching process, this exceptional pair explores themes of nature, science, art and technology to create pieces of great subtlety, variety and humour.
1. Damon gives Kyoko a pencil drawing
2. Kyoko vandalises what he’s done
3. Damon draws his parts on a copper plate
4. Kyoko does her bits
5. Etch the plate together!
These etchings combine their interests in travel, the natural world, and the culture, history, and mythology of Japan. In June 2013 they undertook a residency at Art Vault Mildura. There they produced ‘Along the River’, a suite of etchings and accompanying zine based on the riverside architecture of Kyoto. ‘Along the River’ will be exhibited in Hong Kong and Melbourne in 2014. This project was supported by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria and the Japan Foundation Sydney.
Damon and Kyoko are currently working on a series of prints inspired by the creatures and animals of the Chinese Zodiac. You can see more examples of their work online at www.damonandkyoko.tk. Damon and Kyoko will also exhibit at Odd One Out between 7 and 30 March. Odd One Out, G/F 34 Sau Wa Fong, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
