Artist Spotlight - Mariko Kumon
Biography
Mariko Kumon is a Japanese artist living in Barcelona, Spain, known for her diverse artistic practice, which includes sculpture, installation, conceptual art, and painting. She completed her degree in applied mathematics at a university in Japan. About 20 years ago, she changed her life. She started studying art and after moving to Spain she studied casting and sculpture at Escola de la Rocha (Barcelona).
Nube de idea, 2018, Bronze combined with wire, 12x10x25cm.
Her work is based on her experiences both in Japan and Europe, and often explores themes such as memory, nature, and human connections. Kumon has exhibited internationally, taking part in various prestigious art fairs and group exhibitions in cities such as New York, London, Venice, Paris, Monaco, and Madrid.
Nadie puede encerrarme, 2015, wire, 180x80x60cm.
In her solo exhibitions such as "Skin" and "Línea Íntima" in Barcelona, she has delved into the fragility and intimacy of the human experience. Her “line” focuses on the delicate balance between form and emotion, often exploring organic and natural themes. Her work often focuses on the theme of cultural gaps and identity, often referring to her own intercultural journey from Japan to Spain.
Skin I Línea-Ondas-ArrugasI, 2019, leather, 150x500x8cm.
And a central concept in her work that is reflected in her representations of human body and natural motifs. Her sculptures are often minimalist, focusing on imbued with a deep appreciation for organic beauty and the transience of life. In particular, her works resolve around the exploration of emotional and physical boundaries, where lines and forms act as metaphors for human experiences and Connections.
Skin. Línea - Ondas - Arrugas II, 2019, Leather, 180x690x8cm
In short, Mariko Kumon is an artist who successfully blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a contemporary, experimental approach to create works that are not only visually striking, but also invite deep contemplation about the passage of time, the beauty of ephemeral things, and the interrelationship between nature and humans.
Skin. Línea - Ondas - Arrugas III, 2019, Leather, board, 28x265x12 cm
Artist Statement
Sculpture is my most common form of expression, but I consider myself a multifunctional artist. In many cases I describe life with deep emotions. Depending on the moment and state of the creative process, I always play intuitively with spontaneity.
Skin. Línea - Ondas - Arrugas IV, 2019, Leather, rubber, 45 x 135 x 3 cm.
Also for me, the line transmuted into wire is the personal representation of my ideas and thoughts. A line that, curving, twisting and undulating, seeks to find its own space from the inside. These lines suggestive power transmits moods, thus building a personal language.
Listen, 2014, handmade paper, carbon bar, 220x12x14 cm.
Scar, 2022, bronze, 58x21x3.5 cm.
A mitad del viaje de nuestra vida me encontré un bosque oscuro, 2023, wire, 40x190x40 cm.
Para chula yo, 2011, bronze, stone, 25x38x20 cm.
Fragile but strong, 2014, Mahogany, 25x30x20 cm.
Transición, 2014, plastic straw, 85x240x3 cm.
Bondad o maldad, 2014, Cloth, synthetic cloth, cotton thread, felt, 18x21x7cm.
Bondad o maldad (with smell), 2014,Cloth, synthetic fabric, cotton yarn, sock, sand, Hop, 20x20x7cm.
Invisible, 2022, Wire, silicone, 33x20x28 cm.
