Kinjo's solo exhibition 'Transparent Gardener' explores the symbolic nature of the eye as an extension of our communicative language, drawing inspiration from its use as a common motif in animation and film. Through this work, Kinjo delves into the concept of perception and the power of the gaze, examining the intangible and elusive qualities of the eye that shape our collective worldview alongside popular culture and the masses.
In Kinjo's practice, the use of eyes as a symbol can be seen as a form of visual language that conveys meaning much like the use of pictographic characters in written language. This approach resonates with the history of communication systems, which have long relied on visual representations to communicate ideas and concepts. Kinjo's exploration of the eye as a communicative code highlights the ways in which visual culture shapes our understanding of the world, and invites viewers to consider the power of symbols in art and culture.
Through "Transparent Gardener," the artist invites viewers to contemplate the significance of the eye and its connection to our cultural history and evolving artistic expressions. Kinjo questions whether this symbol would have been recognizable in times before the advent of animation and film, making us consider the cultural significance of visual symbols across time and across cultures.
Three Mountains.
Mountains made from hand-held signs and skateboard ramps,
Mountains constructed from the makeshift dwellings of the homeless,
Mountains built from neatly-stacked boxes bearing the words "The End" on pallet racks.
Although I live and work in Tokyo, I don't feel surrounded by urban culture or nature. My studio is located in the Arakawa district, where aluminum and steel recycling plants, sheet metal factories, and abandoned or planned construction sites dominate the landscape. The atmosphere lacks any distinct character, and the air is thick and unstable.
These things are intimately associated with my daily life. I observe and imagine them, finding connections between them and seemingly distant societal issues and global events.