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Writer's pictureaomikikuchi

The 50 Artists to Watch in 2023

Published by Florence Contemporary Gallery

@florence_contemporary_gallery


50 Artists to Watch, represents a guide, a catalog, a highly curated collection of selected artists to be follow closely in the near future. Florence Contemporary Gallery is excited to present this publication, which offers a unique opportunity to discover and invest in emerging talents who may be the next big names in the contemporary art world.These artists are the next generation of creative

pioneers, breaking new ground and challenging conventions while maintaining a high level of technical skill and craftsmanship.

Our team has worked tirelessly to identify a shortlist of artists who possess a distinct voice and creative talent. From abstract expressionism to realism, and everything in between, each piece has been chosen for its ability to move and inspire. By acquiring works from this collection, you not only enrich your own

collection with unique and innovative pieces, but also contribute to the growth and development of these talented individuals.

We hope that this catalogue will transport you to new and unexpected places, where you will discover the power and the beauty of emerging talent. As you explore these works, we invite you to contemplate the themes and issues that these artists address, and to consider the ways in which their work contributes to ongoing conversations in the art world. Our hope is that this catalogue will not only inspire and captivate you, but also introduce you to a new generation of talented artists who are set to make their mark on the art world.

These artists are the poets and the dreamers, the makers and the shapers, and we are honored to share their work with you. We are confident that you will love this journey, and remember that, by investing in their work, you support their artistic practice and you also become part of that future.




Title: Memory- Sneaker

Year: 2022

Media: Wool Fiber

Dimension: 26 x 10 x10 cm


After making Oiran's clogs, I modeled this piece on my worn-out sneakers. Looking at the history of clothing, luxury was valued as a symbol of wealth and power rather than comfort. People have endured wearing high heels and corsets to look beautiful even though their legs and waist hurt. The Oiran clogs I made before this work are so tall and heavy that ordinary people cannot walk on them. In modern times, the code of clothing has become much looser. In creating this work, I observed my sneaker, and was surprised to find that a single sneaker had a variety of designs as well as functionality. I think sneakers that can be stylish without pain are a good new perspective.


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Side

Title: Leftover 2021

Year: 2021

Media: Silk Gauze, Goose Down, Hair Extension

Size: 22”H x 13”W x 4”D, 55 x 32 x 10 (cm)




Inspiration for Leftover


I observed a dead bird. The bird lost its shape in four or five days, leaving only bones and feathers at the end. These skulls, hairs and feathers are metaphors of the impermanence and insubstantiality of all life.

Immediately after we die, our bodies begin to decompose. However, if left without cremation, hair and bones will remain. Bones can sometimes be found in burial mounds that are more than 1,000 years old. No matter how rich, how smart, or how beautiful we are, we can only leave ourselves with hair and bones.

There is nothing we can protect forever, so why do we work recklessly, discriminate against others, and go crazy for money? I hope that the desire to leave something behind in this world will be directed to activities that will make the world a better place for the next generation.


Process behind Leftover


Since nature itself is cyclical, I incorporate the idea of reuse, regeneration and recycling.

This work recreates the theme of my previous work, "Leftover", and was made using materials I used last time: silk gauze, reused hair extensions, and goose down from old duvets found at home.

Casting a plastic skull, I made three silk gauze skulls. It is the same method as when making papier-mâché. This time, I planted hair on the skulls' heads and the small chunks of goose down were pierced by hairs. I connected three skulls with a braid at the tip of their hair.




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