IBASHO is delighted to present “Visual Poetry from Ishikawa”, a solo exhibition of a Japanese photographer Mika Horie, together with a launch of her newest book “Air, Flowers and Colours”, co-published by the(M) éditions & IBASHO.
Mika Horie is a Japanese artist who creates cyanotypes on handmade paper, living and working in a Meiji-era farmhouse in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga. Each spring, she collects gampi branches to craft the paper that holds her art. Her work draws from the natural world, incorporating elements of trees, water, and light. Rooted in nature, Horie’s creations embody wabi-sabi, reflecting beauty in imperfection and transience.
Her photographic process, like her papermaking, is slow and organic. She treats the paper with chemicals, exposes it to sunlight with negatives, then washes it in spring water, letting the wind dry it naturally. During winter, rainy days present a distinct obstacle when creating Gampi papers and cyanotypes under sunlight. This creative pursuit demands patience and the deliberate application of brush strokes to impart lines and colours onto the paper while evoking and reflecting upon personal memories. This artistic journey gradually reignited recollections of her early childhood memories.
In the three years following the pandemic, Horie has engaged in numerous discussions with visitors to her studio in Japan about the captivating vitality of the color blue on Earth. During this period, she has been exploring the application of Nihonga, a traditional Japanese painting technique, using pigments with Nikawa (natural glue) on cyanotype prints. This has allowed her to articulate the lasting impressions of colours she captures through her photography.
For her new work, Horie has immersed herself in nearly-forgotten traditions such as kimono-making, the tea ceremony, and even duck hunting. Particularly fascinated by the intricate beauty of the Obi and the entire kimono-making process, she met with artisans who specialise in crafting silk yarns and Obi. Over two months, she raised silkworms to gain a deeper understanding of the silk production process. During this time, she also experienced the enchanting world of native wildflowers and plants during her weekly tea ceremony practice. Her tea instructors shared profound Zen wisdom while discussing the seasonal decorations in the tea room, revealing the deep significance and beauty of each arrangement. These teachings enriched her creativity, inspiring fresh ideas and imagery she eagerly anticipated exploring.
Throughout this journey, she delved deeply into the rich and complex facets of Japanese culture, uncovering uncharted aspects of the island’s history. She hopes that her newest book, “Air, Flowers, and Colours”, provides readers with an insightful glimpse into her profound connection to her identity and ancestral heritage.
The exhibition “Visual Poetry from Ishikawa” will be held from 16 November 2024 to 12 January 2025. The artist will be present at the opening on 16 November during the launch of her book, “Air, Flowers, and Colours”, co-published by (M) éditions and IBASHO.