Introduction

Fukunaga’s works often feature strange combinations of man-made and natural forms. In the work “SCRAP”, which was introduced at GEISAI #9, various objects are depicted strewn about in canvas’s run-down corners. Although they are not ordinarily perceived as garbage, some of the ordinary objects shown are cars, keyboard, target, car and umbrellas. Partly covered by a torn sheet, a car seems to be fairly new and ready to go. The ornamental owl in a fish tank appears to have opened the umbrella by itself. A neon green Martian doll is hanging by the neck from a tree branch in the center of the piece. In the very rear, there is a shed with a bright yellow roof that looks like something from an amusement park. Finally, an electric tower and dark dense trees can be seen behind the fence. These items give off a completely different aura compared to similar everyday items found in areas nearby, whoever intended to arrange the objects in this way has created an eerie circus.

Concept

In “Neighborhood Garden”, which will be exhibited, various objects are placed in the garden of an old, run-down house. A doghouse, wooden box, hose and Japanese-style toilet are some of the items that assume an organic energy, which melts into the scenery of this strange garden. Conversely, the plants, koi swimming in the pond, pansies, spider webs, and stones are objects untouched by humans, but they seem to be holding their breath while possessing human intentions. The shingles of the roof of the house resemble fish scales. In addition, it is impossible to know what is behind the closed door or on the other side of the window. A being from another world appears in the mirror on the strange rock formation; however, since this house exists in one universe, the being’s appearance is a function of a magical telescope that can see all over the world.
Fukunaga said, “By unfolding the image’s illusion, I want to get into the heads of the people who are seeing my work.” The stunning brushwork clearly function as a device that inspires one’s imagination. This exhibition is scheduled to feature new paintings and drawings. Please enjoy!

Artist Biography

Born in Tokyo in 1981, Daisuke Fukunaga graduated from Tama Art University in 2004 with a specialty in oil painting. His studio is presently based in Kanagawa prefecture. This is his first solo exhibition since being discovered by Tomio Koyama at GEISAI #9 in 2006.