From October 15th to 21st, the art gallery on the fifth floor of the main building of Isetan Shinjuku will be hosting "Dream Time Travel: Yoshiko Tsubouchi's New World of Copperplate Prints and Glass Paintings" by printmaker Yoshiko Tsubouchi.
Tsubouchi's works, each exquisitely unique due to the hand-applied gold leaf and hand-painted colors, have a mysterious allure that transports the viewer to another world. At the same time, as reflected in the exhibition's title, the various motifs evoking a "journey through time" are also intriguing. The gold leaf that adorns the world depicted, featuring steam locomotives, balloons, and sailing ships, will gradually peel away over the years, deepening its color and continuing to embody the profound depth of the experience of time travel.
Also, perhaps the phrase "dream time travel" also contains the underlying theme of "a journey to the land of happiness," as the exhibition is filled with works depicting key items for attaining happiness, such as a key casually hooked onto a large hot air balloon. By carefully observing the details of each piece, you can enjoy the pleasure of understanding the artist's intentions. After graduating from art school, Tsubouchi traveled to the Slovak Republic to study printmaking for several years, and you're sure to be captivated by the many exotic items he depicts.
There are approximately 40 works on display, including around 10 new pieces. The exhibition ranges from large works such as "VENTO BOM, AGUA NA VELA V (Japanese: A Favorable Wind is Blowin', Time to Set Sail!)" (45x60cm/205,000 yen), "Eppure Si muove III (Japanese: And Yet the Earth Keeps Turning)" (60x45cm/205,000 yen), and "Forest of Time" (34x45cm/170,000 yen), to pieces perfect for decorating a single person's room, such as "Time Travel - Le Chateau -" (21x15cm/77,760 yen).
In addition to the main exhibit, the "Time Travel Series," glass paintings made on water glass will also be on display.
The plates and needles used in the production process can also be seen at the venue, making it a great place to visit for those interested in deepening their knowledge of copperplate printing.
A gallery talk by the artist himself will be held on October 18th. If you can't make it on the day, the artist will be present during the event, so you might want to ask him questions about his work.
