New Canaan, CT— Jean Jacobs Gallery is pleased to present Tomoko Abe – Tracing Shadows opening reception on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 from 6pm-9pm at 84 Main Street New Canaan, CT 06840.

Tomoko Amaki Abe

“I am interested in exploring art forms that allow me to spontaneously collaborate with the materials I work with. Rather than forcing them to fit my intention, I enjoy the interactive process with the media. The materials speak to me and make me respond to them. Each medium has a unique character, and often demands a specific artistic process or combination with other materials. The message in my work is rarely my idea alone – rather I wish to co-exist in harmony with nature, by listening to the voices of the materials.

My inspirations are often drawn from evolving and decaying facets of nature and their spiritual imprints. I have been inspired by unnoticeable elements, such as wind, soil and water, as well as man-made artifacts such as industrial wastes and debris. I use such seemingly trivial objects in my installations to bring them back to life.

Through my artwork, I want to confront the tension between transience and permanency, surface and depth, gravity and non-gravity, and ultimately, the fragility of our existence.

The title of this show ‘Tracing Shadows’ came to my mind while walking outdoors during the heat wave. Shadows lead me to a sane place amidst all the uncontrollable things happening in the world. As I was putting together the show I felt as if I were tracing shadows of my past and my on-going works. Looking back on my works from ceramic to paper to glass, I realize a large portion of them are inspired by light and shadows. This show is in some sense a retrospective for all these works of mine through that perspective.”

We welcome all ages to join our Opening Reception – Saturday, July 9th, 2022 from 6pm – 9pm at the Jean Jacobs Gallery – 84 Main Street, New Canaan, Connecticut 06840.