Space Department – Nara, Japan

り– DISCOVER

Mew’s recent art practice aims to revive and reimagine the origins of the Japanese kanji writing system in a contemporary perspective. Originating from China, it is the oldest language in continual use, and is the only surviving pictographic language in the world. In this exhibition presented at his art residency at Space Department Nara, り-discover invites us all to rewind, and experience the world through ancient characters – where our ancestors communicated themes of life and death with a sense of awe. Mew hopes to share his experiences and encounters within Nara through a selection of carefully chosen ancient characters.

  • Mixed media artwork featuring abstract black ink blot resembling a rose above a silhouette of a person jumping over a landscape at sunset.

    日光 (Daylight)

    Ink on wood board
    2024

  • Abstract mixed media artwork with black ink splatters, brushstrokes, and textured background.

    墨 (Ink)

    Ink on wood board
    2024

  • Sheet of Japanese newspaper or flyer with a large black kanji character painted over it, and some smaller sketches and a red price tag of 300 yen. The paper appears worn and slightly torn.

    回 帰 (Return)

    Ink on wood board
    2024

  • Photograph of a Japanese walkway with red railings and trees, overlaid with black paint splatters and brushstrokes.

    神 (Divine)

    Ink on wood board
    2024

  • An abstract painting over a photograph of children sitting outdoors under trees, with black paint strokes forming two heart shapes across the scene.

    楽 (Raku)

    Ink on wood board
    2024

  • Abstract painting with black ink splashes, gray swirling background, colorful accents, and a small red stamp.

    華 (Flower arrangement)

    Synthetic polymer on canvas
    2024

麗鹿 deer series

  • Black ink abstract calligraphy painting on white paper hanging on a wooden wall.
  • Abstract black ink painting on paper featuring a reindeer-like figure with antlers, large eyes, and multiple legs, signed with a red stamp in the lower left corner.
  • Black ink abstract painting of a reindeer with antlers, mounted on white paper hanging on a wooden frame.
  • A large sheet of paper with black ink calligraphy art of a smiling frog, with a red seal stamp at the bottom right corner.
  • A large calligraphic ink painting of a deer with antlers, created with bold black strokes on white paper, displayed vertically on a wall.
  • A large scroll of white paper with abstract black ink brushstrokes and splatters, displayed on a wooden frame. There is a red stamp or seal in the bottom right corner.
  • Calligraphy artwork of a smiley face with a black ink splash at the top, and a red seal in the lower right corner
  • A large vertical Chinese ink painting on paper displayed against a wall, featuring bold black brushstrokes creating abstract shapes, with a red seal in the lower right corner.

風 (wind)

Acrylic on stretched canvas – This kanji originated from a depiction of a mythical bird with a crown, with large powerful wings, long trailing feathers, a tail and a sail. The bird was believed to cause wind which it would then catch in its sail.

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