art gallery PKULTRA

Form/Space Atelier Program For May 2012 Exhibit Title: Character And Me Exhibit Duration: May 11-June 2, 2012 Vernissage: May 11, 6PM. Coordinated By www.belltownartwalk.net Character And Me is paintings and archival prints by Yuriko Miyamoto. Characters, which populate the imagery of Japanese culture, are the foundation for this second solo exhibit of Yuriko Miyamoto at Form/Space Atelier. Crossing Boundaries, Yuriko Miyamoto's first solo exhibit at Form/Space Atelier was on view October 23 through November 9, 2008. Yuriko Miyamoto was born in Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki, Japan, but has spent most of her adult life on the West Coast of North America, including several years in Seattle and was an employee of the Frye Art Museum while based in Seattle. Yuriko Miyamoto is now based in Portland, Oregon. Yuriko Miyamoto's Artist Statement Narrates Character and Me

Growing up in character-centric Japan, I've became accustomed to connecting myself with characters, as a reflection of myself. Into my characters, I will express some reflection of myself, and some moments I find inspiring to me and possibly to others. By using simple characters, people might find it easier to connect with themselves, regardless of their nationality, age or gender. In a way it makes me feel those boundaries will disappear. Because of the simplicity of the characters, I hope they will connect many people to my images and bring them happy, warm feelings, and a little break in their life with a little giggle and, perhaps, a little wisdom. Art Writer Erika Hobart Reviewed Yuriko Miyamoto's Crossing Boundaries, Which Exhibited At Form/Space Atelier October 23 through November 9, 2008 Japanese artist Yuriko Miyamoto (now based in Seattle) grew up accosted by images of Hello Kitty and Godzilla, so it’s no surprise her acrylic paintings convey that kawaii aesthetic so prevalent in J-pop culture. Miyamoto’s newest series, “Crossing Boundaries” (through November 9), features sassy cats riding in UFOs and friendly fish viewing sunsets. (How they manage to survive out of water is beyond me.) The artist employs simple geometric shapes to impart a playful, childlike innocence to her paintings. Her nonsensically cute scenarios—“Catworm”?—will sometimes have you scratching your head. But consider Miyamoto’s inspirations: Hello Kitty doesn’t even have a mouth.