February 9 - March 6, 2024
Opening Reception: February 9, 6 - 8 pm
Yusuke Ochiai
Path of Imagination
想像の道
POI was born in New York
37-39 Clinton St NEW YORK
ABOUT
Space776 is pleased to present a solo exhibition featuring works by Yusuke Ochiai, marking a significant milestone in the artist's career before embarking on the next chapter of his artistic journey.
Yusuke Ochiai - "Path of Imagination 想像の道 POI was born in New York - Takes a Decade-Long Journey through the Path of Imagination
Self-taught artist Yusuke Ochiai is set to captivate art enthusiasts with a retrospective exhibition, Path of Imagination showcasing a decade-long artistic odyssey. The exhibition, a fusion of tradition and innovation, will feature an eclectic array of paintings and sculptures, providing a unique glimpse into Ochiai's profound exploration of emotion, imagination, and cultural fusion.
‘I hope you can feel the life that New York breathed into my art and the brilliance of the remarkable journey with POI’ -Yusuke Ochiai
Exhibition Highlights:
Poieverywhere, a distinguished artist, showcases a retrospective of his decade-long artistic journey with the unveiling of multiple series, including the captivating "Unicycle," "Inner Unity," and "Path of Progress" (POP).
"UNICYCLE" Series: Ochiai's emphasis on human unity and cooperation takes center stage in this series. The unicycle, representing balance on a single wheel, becomes a metaphor for the harmony required in our diverse world.
"Inner Unity" Series: The artist delves into the harmony within our internal complexities, presenting a series that explores shared visions and interconnectedness.
"Path of Progress" (POP) Series: Ochiai captures moments filled with hope and inspiration, symbolizing the journey toward unknown possibilities.
“Baton” Series: Emphasises the instability of today's society, and demands that we reaffirm the importance of compassion and mutual respect. It aims to reach out to those who face challenges with a desire for a future of peace and co-existence for people around the world
“Poieverywhere” (POI) Project, 2014~ Is rooted in Japanese culture, and celebrates the presence of local guardian deities through Jizo stone statues and connected their identity to street art. It aims to bring joy and excitement to people while embodying the beautiful harmony of Japanese culture and street culture.
"Flower Bomb" Project, 2020~: A visual and emotional spectacle where a beautiful flower shape on a map, known as a "point of interest" (POI), becomes a character, encouraging people to carry it to different locations and share positive messages.
INSTALLATION VIEWS
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yusuke Ochiai (b.1977, Tokyo) is a self-taught painter and sculptor.
During his trials in New York, he encountered POI, which stands for 'Path of Imagination.' It marked the beginning of his art production, 'Poieverywhere,' and became a symbol of creation and growth. This path incorporates the concept of the traditional Japanese 'path,' signifying ceaseless refinement and self-challenge in artistic creation. The journey transcends the limits of imagination to forge new realms of creation, bringing depth and meaning to his art.
Through the fusion of art and culture, he has integrated elements of Japanese culture and local guardian deities, such as Jizo and Dosojin, breathing new life into street art. This project demonstrates how the 'Path of Imagination' can expand anywhere, leading people to a sense of unity. His works aim to express the harmony between Japanese culture and street culture, bringing joy and excitement to viewers. This is his attempt to connect with the world through art—a journey of new expressions and discoveries