It’s hard to believe that it has been two years since the first K’s Concept Exhibition. I’m glad we have been able to organize a second exhibition.
K’s Concept began from a suggestion from my mentor, Idei-sensei, to launch a project to　promote young artists. The first exhibition, held in the Keio Plaza lobby in 2013, was a collection of works by young artists that had somehow struck me as being out of the ordinary.
When I come into contact with young artists I feel the possibilities that the world of art offers.
Organizing an exhibit is a creative act exciting and pleasurable in a way somewhat different from creating one’s own original work. I hope that you will share my enthusiasm for the young artists whose work I am introducing.
The two artists featured in this exhibition are Sakuho Ito, a washi (Japanese paper) and dye artist, and Yasuo Ogawa, a wax artist.
Ito-san uses the fiber of the same paper mulberry used in the washi of Sekishu in her native region of Shimane Prefecture in originals ways. All her works are entirely hand-made but on first glance look like they are made of rusted iron.
Ogawa-san first paints watercolors with an organic feel and then overlays the paint with thin layers of wax. The paint colors float beautifully through the translucent wax.
I have been greatly impressed by the way both of these artists have authentically incorporated nature into their art. Their art is reserved and modest, tender and supple. Neither of them is interested in making a flashy modern statement, but offer simple authenticity.
The quiet natural quality of Ito-san’s rust works, the soft colors of Ogawa-san’s wax works, both evoke for me a strong sense of simple beauty and serenity.
I very much hope you will attend this exhibition of two complementary artists who both in different ways project the strength of their characters through the fragility of their works.
The large collection of works on display ranges from large wall hangings to small objects. We look forward to your attendance.

Miwako Kashiwagi