From August 29 to September 21, SH Gallery will host a solo exhibition titled "Cinematic: 1.0x" by Japanese contemporary artist Masato Yamaguchi. This exhibition will feature nine new works from Yamaguchi's latest series, 'Cinematic,' which he began in 2023. The series delves into how smartphones and social media transform individual daily life into cinematic narratives.

In the 1980s, Masato Yamaguchi grew up influenced by the music, fashion, and design of 1990s Tokyo. He has centered his artistic exploration around the theme of 'trans-reality,' constantly questioning the nature of reality. Yamaguchi is particularly known for his 'Cool & Cute' selfie characters, through which he critiques the illusionary self-portraits that dominate modern society.

In the 'Cinematic' series, Yamaguchi continues to utilize his signature techniques of stencil and airbrush, capturing the gradation of sunsets and the vibrant colors of cityscapes at night. These works visually depict how personal daily life, mediated through smartphones, morphs into cinematic narratives. While cinematic imagery traditionally plays a symbolic role within popular culture, Yamaguchi brings this quality into everyday life, creating a fresh artistic perspective.

Yamaguchi's innovative approach extends beyond fine art; he has also collaborated with fashion brands like X-girl and ReZARD, breaking genre boundaries with his creative endeavors. His unique works, which blend both popularity and artistic depth, have garnered a strong following both in Korea and internationally. His exploration of analog and digital expressions, reinterpreting traditional techniques in a modern context, continues to create striking visual contrasts.

An opening reception is scheduled for August 29 from 5 PM to 7 PM, where Yamaguchi will be present. Additionally, he will be participating in the upcoming KIAF 2024 (Korea International Art Fair) from September 4 to 8, at SH Gallery's booth B65.

Sayart / Chloe Kim, 2022chloe.k@gmil.com