Combining Japanese Tradition and Innovation: Sumiyoshi Konan's Solo Exhibition in New York

In 2023, after two and a half years of COVID-19, the New York solo exhibition “Bridging Warmth - Tradition and Innovation” by ink manga artist Sumiyoshi Konan will be held at the New York Tribeca gallery. Works of various genres won the hearts of visitors, and the exhibition received high praise.
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Period: 2023/4/18 (Tue) -22 (Sat)
Venue: One Art Space Gallery One Art Space Gallery (23 Warren St, New York, NY 10007, USA)

Tribeca, an art hub reflecting New York's “now”

New York has a dynamism where art from around the world gathers, collides, and merges. In addition to densely populated galleries such as Chelsea, Soho, and the Lower East Side, the next art trend is now being born in Tribeca.

This town, where skyscrapers and historic architecture coexist along quiet cobblestone streets, has a sophisticated cultural scent while transforming from a business district to an upscale residential area. Stylish shops, trendy restaurants, and galleries that stimulate the senses gather, and a new wave of art is quietly but surely rushing in.

“One Art Space Gallery” is a gallery that embodies art and diversity in the middle of such an evolving Tribeca.

“Tradition and innovation” drawn with Japanese brush fascinates New Yorkers

The New York solo exhibition “Bridging Warmth - Tradition and Innovation” by ink manga artist Sumiyoshi Konan was held at the “One Art Space Gallery” in April 2023, when the COVID-19 pandemic, which spanned two and a half years, ended.

Sumiyoshi develops expressions of “breath” and “life” unique to hand-drawn lines with Japanese brushes in a variety of works that transcend genres.

Pop “avatar art,” which characterizes real people as animals and dinosaurs, and works that combine a variety of materials and techniques, such as ancient characters, knitted toys, and figures, were exhibited and attracted the hearts of visitors.

In this exhibition, in addition to the world's first attempt at stamping seal engraving on canvas with vermilion clay, works with ancient characters and creative characters on the theme of dinosaurs were also presented. Furthermore, they took on the challenge of collaborating with knitted toys and Echizen chest of drawers, making use of traditional Japanese techniques.

The one-of-a-kind art experience, which harmonizes tradition and innovation, was highly praised in New York, and an American couple who sympathized with the artist's feelings purchased 2 works.

Sumiyoshi's thoughts, who says that “art can convey people's hearts across time and space,” went beyond a distance of 10,000 km, and it was an exhibition that proved.

Visitors' Voices: Impressive Experiences Created by Art and Space

Many people who visited the exhibition received heartwarming impressions about Sumiyoshi Konan's creative works and exhibition space.

“There is something remarkable about the artists' creativity. I love the color of the work.”

“I think it was a wonderful work and a wonderful environment suitable for it. Please exhibit it again in New York.”

“I liked the dinosaur CEO's work the most. I'm in business, and I really sympathize with the painting's theme of what I can do with the money I earn — buy luxury things, eat delicious meals, etc. I'm glad we met. Thanks.”

“Her art is so vibrant and playful. The small knitted toy is also very cute. I'm looking forward to your future success.”

“It was a wonderful experience to encounter new art. It's a very nice display.”

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