[ Immediate releases: Winter 2019 ]
Raised and educated between two worlds, Mori‘s multicultural experience was instrumental in building a visual heritage spanning the full gamut of Japanese and American popular culture. From film to manga, between encyclopaedias and video games, along album covers and Ukiyo-e.
Having evolved in an urban environment distanced from wildlife and nature, Mori recalls the sheer sense of wonder he felt when gazing at the animal kingdom, albeit through the lenses of various media. In a bid to encapsulate this spirit of fantasy, Mori creates his own world from within, delivering an introspective works of art, infused with both Eastern and Western influences from his upbringing.
Juxtaposing the meticulous, detail-oriented sense of Japanese craftsmanship with the instantly gratifying style of American dynamism; Mori depicts boisterous colours in unison with timeless lines reminiscent of Zen gardens, carefully stripped to their bare essence.
Merging aesthetic principles from two uniquely engaging cultures, Mori’s approach conveys an understanding of their respective appeal.
Mori’s collection showcases mythical beasts such as the chimera, griffin and dragon, as well as anthropomorphic creatures like the mermaid and grim reaper. They are featured alongside animals we find in our reality, such as the octopus, serpent and rhino, merging the imaginary or real in a parallel universe of myths and legends long ago created by the ancients and which has transcended our folklore, finding itself firmly rooted in contemporary culture.
While Mori’s notable fascination with animals and the mystic is at work in this exhibition, he draws his inspiration by reaching deep into the well of his memories, rather than treading the waters of consciously sought inspiration.
Foreseeing a shadowy day when we may never again lay eyes on the magnificent life surrounding us, Mori is questioning if the animals of today might become myths and legends of the future, achieving immortality by entering the imaginary.
About Ben Mori
Ben Mori was born in 1981 in Tokyo to a Japanese father and an American mother. After graduating from Kelo Jr. High, he attended school on the East Coast where he graduated from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in Graphic Design. The exhibition shows his deep love towards animals. Mori has participated in various international art fairs including Art Fair Tokyo, Art Kyoto, Tokyo International Art Fair, Singapore Contemporary Art Fair, Florence Biennale and more.
About Powder Art Niseko
Powder Art Niseko is a contemporary art gallery based in Hokkaido, represents and showcases artists from Tokyo, Amsterdam and New York. Works are carefully selected to foster cross-cultural dialogues, with the goal to enrich art viewers’ perspectives through inspirations, creativity and self-expressions.
For press & media enquiries: Alice Ma | alice@powederart.net | +852 6685 0185
Private appointments: info@powderart.net
For more information: Please visit www.powderart.net.
