Uchiumi Kiyoharu Exhibition

内海 清美
Went to the current exhibition at our local art musuem. Uchiumi Kiyoharu is a Tokyo-based artist whose medium is washi, Japanese paper. He makes small figures/dolls out of paper and arranges them in tableaux that include lighting, backgrounds, and sound tracks.

He has exhibited in Europe, and is often called upon to make models for NHK programs.

His subject is usually old Japanese stories and legends like Tales of Genji, but for this show his subject is scenes from Iwami Kagura, our local speciality.



The dolls are left in their natural paper color, and different colored lights provide atmospheric lighting. Everything, including the hair on the Hanya Oni above is made of washi.


A scene from the Iwato myth, with Amaterasu emerging from the cave


Susano fighting the serpent Yamata no Orochi, probably the best known dance in the area.


This final piece is a scene from Omoto Kagura, a local shamanic form of dance that was once common throughout Japan, but here in Iwami is the only place where it is still performed.
The exhibition was timed to coincide with the performance of Omto Kagura this weekend.

The exhibition runs until the 26th of November at Imai Art Musuem, a 10 minute walk from JR Kawado (Pop. 700) station on the Sanko Line.


Buy tasteful interior decoration paper lanterns.

Books on Japan

Japan images by Jake Davies

Tags

Japan shimane Kawado Imai Art Musuem kagura dolls Uchiumi Uchiumi Kiyoharu