Midori Okuyama

This months cover by K.K.W,
with layout by Aleksandar Ares.
On the cover, Stephanie Cunningham.

'Art is the reason, art is the way': Midori Okuyama. Photo's (1-3) and article by K.K.W  

Over the years I've come to realize that art is either something quite private, stemming from a disconnected need to create, and or a conscious driven need to extend a point - redefine an aspect of, or a series them about society. 

#1

Multi-media seems to be the vector, although by her own outlook she does not care to be "...labeled...". Photographs that project a love of nature, a silence which some people come to know and find hard to cope with. Details of the everyday that has become so common - we walk through it like a dream quickly forgotten. 

 

#2

Drawn (from the series "Going Home")
Silver Gelatin Print. Image courtesy of the artist

#3

Her two most interesting photo's shows a reverent eye for the irreverence of people towards their urban environment. The ridiculous embracing of the freedom to litter; an obvious contempt for biking in the city and private property. One could easily traverse the streets of NYC, and walk right by a bicycle-basket filled with the remains of the day. The delights of our consumer economy, tossed away like used condoms. 

Untitled (Bicycle)
Silver Gelatin Print.
Image courtesy of the artist.

The next photo [more then likely a garden in the East Village] a barren place, like the rest of the city can sometimes feel. The leaf-less plants and trees blend nicely with the mannequin's legs; proof positive that NYC can still be odd. And yet both parts contrast and are at odds with each other. Mans lifeless creation in the midst of the creation of our creator? Her paintings have a simplicity and illustrative charm that is, in a way, unique. To look through them is to see a young artist clearly making progress. There's a lightness and gentle quality that more then likely emanates from her [most of us produce art that show aspects of our personality]. 

Midori Okuyama's work shows obvious skill, and as important, potential for even greater creativity. I would like to see her work more in photography - adding a dynamic sense to it, along with more intensity [same with her paintings]. At a recent show, one of her pieces sold ("Blue Bird") - certainly a great sign that her efforts are gaining more, and more notice. 

Abandoned legs.
Silver Gelatin Print. Image courtesy
of the artist. 

Blue Bird.
Acrylic on canvas, 2015. This piece
was recently sold. Image courtesy of the artist. 

If you would like to know more, and see more of Midori's art-work, go to:www.midoak21.com/, 'Art is the reason, art is the way'.