Dexter Wimberly has curated the exhibition “Tomorrow’s Bridge” in conjunction with Tokyo-based gallery KOKI ARTS. The virtual show brings together the work of three emerging Japanese artists Hiroya Kurata, Ryoichi Nakamura, and Tomonari Nakayashiki, presented in partnership with Sharon Obuobi’s immersive 3D art platform Oarbt.
“Tomorrow’s Bridge” was conceived to highlight artists from the contemporary Japanese art scene and stems from Wimberly’s Hayama Artist Residency—a program focused on giving international artists the opportunity to exhibit work in Japan. Visitors in the rendered virtual galleries will see the Tokyo-based Nakamura’s manipulated portraits of Japanese Americans from World War II, expressionist paintings depicting everyday life from the Brooklyn-based Kurata, and abstracted works made by the Kyoto-based Nakayashiki, like the bright-hued Gap in a Gap in a Gap.
Tomonari Nakayashiki, “Gap in a Gap in a Gap,” 2020, coil, acrylic, tape on canvas; courtesy of the artist and KOKI ARTS.
“‘Tomorrow’s Bridge’ is intended to open dialogue and spark curiosity about contemporary Japanese art, which in my view is under-represented in the international art world,” said Wimberly. “There’s an interesting interplay between the work of the three artists we’re exhibiting, and I’m excited to be collaborating with Oarbt, a venture that shares my ethos of creating opportunities for artists.”
Ryoichi Nakamura, “a study of identity,” 2019, courtesy of the artist and KOKI ARTS.
Live on Oarbt through January 31, the exhibition experience is complete with the ability to navigate a gallery space, select works for a closer look, inquire for purchase, and is accompanied by a virtual series of talks and events.
