September 11–November 30, 2008
Opening Reception: Thursday September 11, 7–9 PM, FREE
Artist Talk: Thursday September 11, 7:30 PM, FREE
Organized for the Koffler Gallery by guest curator Georgiana Uhlyarik, the way of now comprises an installation conceived by Toronto artist Akira Yoshikawa during a month-long residency (August 5–September 10) in the exhibition space. Incorporating drawing and three-dimensional elements executed directly on the gallery walls and floor, this project builds upon the artist’s recent concerns with temporality, duration, and transition.
For the past few years, Yoshikawa has been exploring Eastern philosophy that emphasizes the “present moment”, seeking perfection in the imperfect daily life. Integrating the artistic influences of North American Modernism with the spiritual depths of Japanese culture, Yoshikawa installs simple objects and materials mounted on the wall or grouped on the floor to establish formal and symbolic relationships reminiscent of ritual gestures. As part of his installations, he also produces mysterious, contemplative drawings of densely textured graphite. Deriving inspiration from the immediacy of our both simple and complicated daily surroundings, the resulting artworks may be used as “tools” to reflect about one’s life.
Akira Yoshikawa was born in Hiroshima, Japan in 1949 and immigrated to Canada in 1961. He graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1974 and has since exhibited nationally and internationally. Yoshikawa’s works are in the collections of numerous art galleries in Ontario as well as in private collections. He is represented by Leo Kamen Gallery in Toronto.
Georgiana Uhlyarik curates independently and is curator at the Art Gallery of Ontario where she has been working on the installation of the Canadian collection for the reopening in November 2008. This summer Uhlyarik traveled to Japan to visit Kyoto temples as well as Hiroshima, Yoshikawa's native city.
Akira Yoshikawa: the way of now opens Thursday, September 11 and continues on view until November 30, 2008 at the Koffler Gallery.
View the press release
Gallery Hours
Tuesday to Friday 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday 12 – 5 pm
Tours / Workshops
Gallery talks are free with regular guided tours every Sunday at 2:00 pm during exhibitions. Group tours and workshops in both French and English are also available.
The Koffler Gallery gratefully acknowledges the support of its patrons and members, Cultural Season Sponsor CIBC Wood Gundy, the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Please join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday September 11, 7–9 PM. Akira Yoshikawa will present an artist talk at 7:30 PM.