Is art the idea, the image, the object or the process? Generations of artists have addressed the thought and with her recent performance at Impulse Gallery the Berlin-based artist Keiko Kimoto celebrated her own contribution to the canon. Surrounded by the works of a career retrospective, Kimoto danced and whirled in front of an invited audience, creating a timely new artwork that sits within an art history defined by the tick tock of art between the exterior and interior worlds.
In the darkly disordered time after the end of world war, a new kind of art thinking appeared. A counterpoint to the work of the abstractionists, action painting is the idea of privileging the creation of art over the concept and when it was first developed, forged a conceptual connection between the Jungian idea of the unconscious mind, and the artist’s output. Free movement and spontaneous creation aimed to connect the artist to the viewer via a universal archetypal narrative sense. For Kimiko this concept of painting provides a way to process her innermost feelings and unlock areas of her own subconscious, connecting with the viewer in an unmediated way. Recurrent figures – the lady, the note, the animal, the tree, appear in her work, visual chimes from the unconscious mind and connected to a personally held understanding of the Japanese concept of [MA]; the time and space needed for life to breathe, feel and connect.
Is it a surprise that an art thinking that developed as a response to political chaos and global malaise is once more finding a way into the collective view and that it is doing so in Switzerland? In today’s confusing world, it is perhaps one of the only places to find those with the space and time to breathe, feel and connect.
About the artist
Keiko Kimoto, born in 1977 in Kyoto, Japan, is an artist renowned for her exceptional mastery of diverse techniques and artistic languages. Residing and working in Toyooka, Keiko has captivated the art world with her unique approach that blends precision and spontaneity. Her work is characterized by an intricate stillness that simultaneously captures movement, achieved through quick brushstrokes and improvisational skill. This distinctive style enables her to freeze dynamic moments in her paintings, creating a paradox of static movement that challenges and engages the viewer.
Educated in Fine Arts at the University of the Arts Berlin, Keiko’s work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions across various cities, including Tokyo and Luxembourg, reflecting her international appeal. Her paintings are an invitation to introspection, urging viewers to delve deeper into their interpretations and understandings. Keiko’s artistry is not just a visual experience but also a philosophical exploration, encouraging the audience to reflect on the transient and interconnected nature of existence.
Central to Keiko’s work is the theme of cultural dialogue, often manifesting through collaborative efforts that bridge geographical and narrative divides. Her approach is marked by a respect for viewer engagement, emphasizing the importance of imagination and effort in the appreciation of art. This philosophy extends to her creative process, which is characterized by a deep sense of communication and synchronicity, often leading to unexpected yet harmonious results. Keiko Kimoto’s art, therefore, stands as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration and the beauty of intercultural exchange, making her a significant figure in contemporary art.
