Tokyo Gallery + BTAP is pleased to present As if to Breath, a solo exhibition by Ayako Someya starting February 25th (Saturday).
Born in Tokyo in 1981, Ayako Someya obtained a degree in English Language and Literature from Seitoku University before embarking on the study of classical calligraphy in 2007. After participating in Zero Art, a 2014 group exhibition at hpgrp GALLERY New York featuring works by Japanese artists, Ayako Someya was involved in producing a catalogue raisonné on Yūichi Inoue, an experience that both taught her to view calligraphy as art and marked the beginning of her creative career. Ayako Someya’s artworks were exhibited at Art Shodo Tokyo 2018, an exhibition organized by contemporary artist Hisashi Yamamoto in Mitaka (Tokyo). They were also exhibited at Calligraphy as Art, a group exhibition held at Tokyo Gallery+BTAP that included Yūichi Sakamaki and Tomoko Kitada. As if to Breathe is Ayako Someya’s first solo exhibition at Tokyo Gallery.
Ayako Someya uses element symbols devoid of locality to achieve a painting-like style. Having “air” as their theme, the works in As if to Breath focus on the elements that make up the atmosphere near the earth’s surface. The combination of white space and seeping ink blots will make the viewer aware of a sensation similar to breathing. The works bear the artist's wish for today's society to regain calm.
