KUMIKAHO OSHIMA
Elegy in Plastic
2018

About the Item

2020, Unique Artwork Mix Media wax and plexyglass with protective Cap Plexiglas with LED 28 × 11 × 7 9/10 in - 71 × 28 × 20 cm Unique Artwork The artwork is dated, numbered and signed on a metal label sticked on the protective cap The artwork come accompanied with a formal Certificate of Authenticity issued by the studio of the Artist and signed by the Artist serie " Luminous Transactions : Barbie Chronicles in Currency Boxes" Kumikaho Oshima, a visionary Japanese women artist, crafted a series that ignited both intrigue and contemplation. Titled "Luminous Transactions: Barbie Chronicles in Currency Boxes," this collection of box sculptures was a testament to Oshima's ability to weave narratives through the convergence of dollars, Barbie dolls, and the ethereal glow of LED lights. Each box, a miniature universe encapsulated in transparent walls, housed a delicate dance between symbols of wealth and cultural iconography. Oshima's meticulous placement of dollars within the confines of the boxes was intentional — a commentary on the intricate relationship between material prosperity and societal ideals. The dollars seemed to float, suspended in a vibrant dance, illuminated by the soft hum of embedded LED lights. Amidst this play of currency, Barbie dolls found themselves in unexpected scenarios. The juxtaposition was deliberate, challenging perceptions of beauty, femininity, and the commodification of desire. The dolls, adorned with the shimmering glow of LED light, became characters in a luminous chronicle, navigating the complexities of a world shaped by both wealth and cultural symbolism. One particularly striking piece, titled "Wealthy Trio Unveiled" : within a luminous box adorned with LED lights, —a captivating fusion of US dollars and the provocative presence of three nude Barbies. The currency, meticulously arranged, seemed to dance in the LED glow, casting a surreal atmosphere. The juxtaposition of wealth and vulnerability echoed through each face of the box, challenging societal norms and inviting contemplation on the commodification of desire, beauty, and financial power. Oshima's artwork emerged as a compelling narrative on the intricate dance between materialism, representation, and societal expectations. in the artwork "Powerful Dolls" barbie bodies encased in a box adorned with LED lights. Each face of the box showcased American president, a surreal installation of power and plastic. The LED glow flickered, casting an eerie yet captivating dance upon the miniature figures, as if questioning the juxtaposition of political authority and societal ideals within the confines of a doll's world. Oshima's artwork invited contemplation on the ephemeral nature of influence, where plastic bodies and presidential faces coexisted in a captivating commentary on power and perception. In "Luxe Dolls" , an illuminated box adorned with LED lights, a striking fusion of US dollars and the sexy presence of three Barbies. The currency, meticulously arranged, seemed to dance in the LED glow, casting a surreal aura. Each face of the box became a canvas for the dolls, a dynamic trio frozen in a moment of elegant contemplation. Oshima's artwork echoed a commentary on consumer culture, where wealth, femininity, and artificial beauty converged in a captivating interplay of light and plastic. One couldn't help but analyze the sociocultural commentary embedded in each sculpture. Oshima's "Luminous Transactions" series illuminated not only the materialistic pursuits of modern society but also the evolving narratives surrounding femininity and societal expectations. The use of LED lights, with their inherent symbolism of modernity and progress, added an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. Kumikaho Oshima, through her artistic alchemy, invited viewers to step into a world where dollars, Barbie dolls, and LED lights converged in luminous boxes. Each sculpture in the series whispered tales of societal transactions, the chronicles of Barbie in a world shaped by currency, and the profound interplay between light and symbolism. The "Luminous Transactions" series stood as a testament to Oshima's ability to transcend traditional artistic boundaries, inviting contemplation on the multifaceted nature of contemporary culture.

Creator:

KUMIKAHO OSHIMA (Japanese)

Creation Year:

2018

Dimensions:

Height: 11.03 in (28 cm)Width: 27.96 in (71 cm)Depth: 7.88 in (20 cm)

Medium:

LED Light,Plastic,Plexiglass

Movement & Style:

New Media

Period:

2010-

Condition:

Gallery Location:

PARIS, FR

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU40238503162

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Kumikaho Oshima, a pioneering force in the realm of Japanese contemporary art, wields the brush as a tool of societal critique, employing satire to dissect the relentless encroachment of Western influences into the fabric of Japanese culture. Firmly rooted in the neo-pop art movement sweeping across Japan, Oshima's works stand as both a rebellion against and a contemplation of the appropriation of Western symbols and values. At the heart of Oshima's artistic narrative lies a profound examination of the shifting morals and desires of Japanese women. Symbolized by the ubiquitous presence of Barbie dolls and the ever-present gaze of US dollars, her canvases become a stage where societal ideals are unravelled. Barbie dolls, often emblems of unattainable beauty standards, represent the superficial ideals imposed upon modern women. Concurrently, the dollars signify an illusionary pinnacle, a supposed ultimate need for these seemingly liberated individuals, entangled in a web of materialistic pursuits. Oshima, provocatively employing motifs of nudity and orgies, challenges societal norms and ventures into the complex terrain of body commodification. Within her subdued palette of earthy and fleshy tones, she imparts a washed-out ambiance to her paintings, creating an intriguing dichotomy between subtlety and intensity. Her scenes, despite their muted tones, pulsate with sensuality and evoke fierce emotions. As a painter adeptly embracing photographic techniques, Oshima deliberately situates her subjects off-center, infusing her compositions with a sense of drama and dynamism. The close-up shots, focusing on the peculiar fusion of naked body parts from Barbie dolls and intricate details of US dollars, serve as a magnifying lens for her social commentary, intensifying the impact of her provocative narrative. Belonging to a dynamic cohort of contemporary female Japanese artists, Oshima's aspirations extend beyond national borders. A proud member of Studio Crazy Noodles, a collective specializing in Japanese neo-pop and the provocative portrayal of female characters engaged in subversive activities, she stands as a beacon of fearlessness and ambition. Oshima has meticulously crafted a style that is both consistent and distinctive, resonating powerfully with an international audience. Her work transcends artistic norms, initiating dialogues that challenge established conventions and firmly establishes her as a courageous voice in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.