Hideaki Kawashima

Fan (Hand-finished)

€2,250

Artwork

Edition of 2080.2 (H) × 65.0 (W) cmShipping est. 4 weeksHand-finishedFrame included

In a series of hand-finished prints, Hideaki Kawashima reflects on becoming who you once looked up to.

The Japanese term ‘ojisan’ – used by younger generations in reference to characteristically stubborn middle aged men – is equal parts affectionate, mocking and deferential. With Fan, Kawashima returns to his adolescent view of such figures, staging relationships between a youthful sitter and portraits looking on from behind.

“When I was younger, I often couldn’t understand what Ojisan were saying, but now that I have become an Ojisan myself, It seems reasonable that I did not understand them. This series is a tribute to my predecessors, who guided me in this way.”

The framed portraits are individually painted by the artist in gouache, making every print unique. Most feature archetypal Ojisan, while some reprise the artwork’s subject – shifting the notion of being a ‘fan’ to one of self love. The nondescript book she is engrossed by absorbs this subtext – a novel filled with wisdom from the past, or a diary penned moments ago?

Because of the time consuming nature of the hand-finishing process, only ten prints will be ready to dispatch at launch on Wednesday 15 November. The remaining ten will be completed in early 2024.

Fan (Hand-finished) is accompanied by an edition of 30 prints featuring a portrait of renowned Japanese writer Yukio Mishima.

Portrait photo of Hideaki Kawashima in a black sweater

Hideaki Kawashima4 collaborationsHideaki Kawashima uses portraiture to expose the ambiguities of human life. Rendered in subdued palettes of seamlessly-blended oils, his wide-eyed characters express a spectrum of emotions: fear, desire, angst, longing. Said emotions, however, are never singular or overt. Similarly, androgynous facial features set gender identities in flux and small ghost-like creatures symbolise the blurred boundary between physical and spiritual realms. Playful touches of folklore, mythology and surrealism surface throughout, drawing influence from painters such as Mark Ryden and Pierre et Gilles. Having emerged in 1990s Japan alongside artists like Yoshitomo Nara, Kawashima’s work sits within the Superflat movement, contributing to the establishment of rich new legacies for manga and anime-influenced figuration.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

Great experience to buy from you. Felt like I was someone you valued as a customer. Great quality on artwork and packaging
Review of HOPE (126-250)
very good quality of the print and very professional service 👍
Review of Inner Love
I'm thrilled with the two pieces I've bought from you all. I look forward to collecting more in the future.
Review of Guardian
Excellent process as usual
Review of Scaffold
I loved the purchasing experience, and the artwork I ended up with. I would definitely come back for future art purchases :)
Review of Actual Size
Excellent framing
Review of La Nascita
Great piece, arrived in excellent condition, thanks!
Review of Ringers #962: The LACMA Iterations
Thanks for keeping me in the loop during the entire process. The packaging of the item was exceptional.
Review of Portrait of Maya #10

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