SATORU AOYAMA

EMBROIDERY ON POLYESTER


Satoru Aoyama
1973 born in Tokyo, Japan
Lives and works in London and Tokyo, Japan.

2001 The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, MFA Fiber and Material Study Department
1998 Goldsmiths College, University of London, BA Textiles, Visual Art Department


"Generally speaking, there is no better means to appreciate a piece of work than in person. Of Aoyama’s work in particular, it’s no exaggeration to say that seeing the original is absolutely essential, as only with the naked eye can you appreciate the astonishing fact that this photo-realistic work, which at first seems to be a traditional oil painting or photograph, is in fact embroidery. There are other contemporary artists using embroidery in their work for outlining motifs or writing letters or text, for example Australian artist Jessica Rankin (whose exhibition at the ‘White Cube’ gallery was held simultaneously with Aoyama’s) and Chinese artist Hu Xiaoyuan (exhibited at Documenta 2007). However, none of these artists go so far as to completely cover their pieces with embroidery, including even the backgrounds, in the way that Aoyama does. In fact, unlike other embroidery artists, he makes every effort to disguise his stitch-work and any evidence that his work is handmade. Once you notice this, you find yourself quickly drawn into his unique world."( Ai Kikuchi for tokyo art beat)

☁ mizuma art gallery
☁ tokyo art beat