Rang Phnom No. 11
2016 / rattan, metal wire / App h.234.0 x w.370.0 x d.64.0 cm
©Sopheap Pich Studio

"desire line", the first solo exhibition in Japan by Sopheap Pich, a leading Cambodian contemporary artist, is being held simultaneously at 8/ ART GALLERY/ Tomio Koyama Gallery in Shibuya Hikarie from October 27th, and at Tomio Koyama Gallery in Roppongi from the 28th.

Sopheap Pich's works are organic yet geometric three-dimensional sculptures inspired by plants such as trees and flowers, human anatomy, and urban structures. They are characterized by their use of locally rooted materials such as bamboo, rattan, wire, and beeswax, and are created using a coarse weave. Their transparency and light appearance, combined with their functional structure, create an overwhelming volume that gives the impression of energy overflowing from the entire space. He has been active internationally, having participated in numerous museum exhibitions and contemporary art exhibitions around the world, including a solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2013 and an exhibition at the 13th Documenta (2013) in 2012.

Mirage 1
2017 / earth pigment, gum Arabic on Arches watercolor paper / 161.0 x 131.0 cm
©Sopheap Pich Studio

The title of this exhibition, "desire line," means "animal path" in Japanese. The artist came up with the title after coming across an animal path while in Florida to create an artwork, and finding it fascinating that a path can arise naturally in the forest as a result of humans trampling it down. This exhibition will feature approximately 12 new works. The works featured in the exhibition, "Miroiise" and "Moonstone," use marble and rosewood root as materials, expressing a more abstract and profound direction in his exploration of three-dimensional art. His new large-scale drawings, created by repeatedly pressing thin, cut bamboo sticks onto paper using natural pigments, create rhythmic lines that resonate within the work's surface. This highly anticipated first solo exhibition by Sopheap Pich in Japan is a rare opportunity not to be missed.

In addition, on November 4th, Sopheap Pich will be holding an artist talk event from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at "8/ COURT," located across from 8/ ART GALLERY/ Tomio Koyama Gallery, where he will discuss the exhibition and his work. Advance registration is required by email (event@tomiokoyamagallery.com, subject: "Request to attend 11/4 talk event," body of text: name, contact information, and number of participants).