Sylvia Paul Exhibition
Sakura Gallery, 1-4-3 Nagoaka-Shi Niigata Japan 940-0076
August 16 to 18, 2013
I feel very privileged to have a close relationship with my Japanese daughter- in- law and her family. This summer will be my fourth visit to Japan and my second art exhibition there. The first exhibition was held at the Craole Gallery in Niigata in March 2011 the week after the earthquake and tsunami. After much deliberation I decided to go ahead with the visit and exhibition which turned out to be very successful for sales and building friendly relationships.
Now two years later I have been encouraged to hold another exhibition at The Sakura Gallery in Nagoaka with the help and support of family members.
My visits to Japan have been very enriching both on a personal level but also as an artist. After my first trip I was inspired to create a series of abstract work of acrylic and paper collage using Japanese papers and one of these was exhibited and sold at The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2009. In 2012 a collage painting titled “Calligraphy Scroll” was Best in Category 2D at the East West Art Award in London. This award is set up by a London based Japanese group who’s aim is to bring artists from East and West together.
This year my exhibition at The Sakura Gallery will be a series of acrylic and paper collage paintings on canvas on a more English theme. Scraps of music, old maps, stamps and magazines are layered with acrylic paint to create colourful and intriguing semi abstract works some of which are inspired by the landscape of English towns and villages. For the first time I will also include some fabric wall hangings made with English woven fabric using applique with machine and hand embroidery.
I have been painting and exhibiting my work for more than 30 years and have held many successful exhibitions in the UK however my Japanese experience has been the most challenging, rewarding and memorable.
“The English artist Sylvia Paul visited Japan two years ago for her first exhibition in Japan, which struck a chord with many people. Since then her work has developed with her endless imagination, and her bright and elegant colours.
I can assure you that her work will take you to the dreamlike world of England at this exhibition in Nagaoka.” Naoko Sorimachi