Sakico Kawashima
By E.K. Clark

In her first solo exhibition, presented in conjunction with the Nagoya University of Fine Arts, Kawashima, a recent graduate, exudes a youthful exuberance and sensuality. Although the artist refers to these works as paintings, they vary in approach from oil on canvas to highly crafted quilted objects using different materials such as satin, lace, black fishnet, pearls and fun fur.

The work encompasses adolescent girl fantasies of sugar and spice and everything risque. Although sweet pinks and pastels abound, there are myriad allusions to vulvae, sperm and phalluses, at times depicted in fluorescent hues. Some of the snake-like phallic forms flourish tassels of fur, others are tied with playful bows, even as they poke under a lace skirt, or embed themselves in a kitten’s head. Sewn clouds, rainbows, orgasmic fountain-like bursts, satin pillows, puffy silk blankets and ovum shapes vie for our attention. Some pieces resemble bouquets, some altars, some feminine bedrooms or mirrored vanities. Imagine the play-room of a teenage girl audaciously transformed into an alluring brothel.

Kawashima’s art celebrates a burgeoning sexuality and young womanhood. Set against the backdrop of her native Japan’s strict social mores, she seems to be declaring her independence and subversiveness with this exhibition. The work is well crafted, and it is clear that she is developing her own voice; it’s a good beginning. Following in the footsteps of feminist artists of the last several decades, she celebrates formerly debased craft-oriented art forms which have emerged over time from the domestic sphere.

through 12/3.