YOD Gallery is delighted to present “TWO MAN TO SHAVE”, our first joint exhibition by Madara Manji and Hebime.

 

These two artists are connected by a similarity in their creating process, which consists of  “revealing unique patterns through shaving layers.” They are indeed two men who endlessly “shave” endlessly.

 

Hebime uses an original technique called ‘acrylic scratch ’, which consists of painting countless layers of acrylic paint and then carving the surface to reveal the layers beneath. With no formal education, he is a so-called ‘outsider artist’ who continuously ‘shaves’, but within this repetitive process, ‘coincidence’ is the most important aspect for him. Not even the artist knows the pattern before the action of shaving the surface, and the resulting psychedelic pattern of the colors peeking from beneath are unforgettable to the observer.

 

Madara Manji combines various metals to create colorful patterns with a technique known as ‘Mokumegane’ (lit. wood grain metal). Different metals do not naturally mix when in a solid state, but Madara uses incredible strength to hammer the metals into each other. Finally the mixed metal is stretched and ‘shaved’ to reveal the pattern. For the artist, this process of mixing matter that naturally should not do so also represents the complex mix of feelings that a person may experience at the same time. Madara’s “Uncovered Cube” works show the impossible mixture of emotions like love and hate. On the other hand, his series of mainly blank works represent a closed soul, which does not display emotion.

 

Madara and Hebime met for the first time 11 years ago. They have alternated between close contact and years of no communication. However, throughout this time, they have never ceased to respect each other’s work. Despite similarities in technique, they also have large differences in personality, their regard for their own work, and social circles. This exhibition brings together these two, who are very alike and yet very different, and thus new discoveries of expression are sure to be made.

 

This exhibition will be third two-person show ever by Madara Manji and Hebime, and is also a stage for them to demonstrate their growth to each other and the world. Please join us to witness this special exhibition.

 

 

 

“No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth.”

 

- Robert Southey