When one steps into the world of Kunihiko Nohara, it feels like stepping into a dream. His art, both whimsical and profound, dances on the fine line between reality and the surreal. For those who appreciate Japanese art, Nohara’s work is a breath of fresh air, reminding us that creativity knows no bounds and that even the simplest materials can tell the most complex stories.
The Allure of the Unseen
Kunihiko Nohara’s sculptures are not just art pieces; they are visual poetry. His works are born from a single block of wood, meticulously carved into forms that evoke curiosity, wonder, and often, a sense of playfulness. But beyond the initial whimsy lies a deeper exploration of themes like freedom, time, and the human experience. Nohara’s ability to infuse life into wood is nothing short of magical.
Nohara once shared how he used to watch clouds in the sky, observing their abstract shapes as they faded away. This childhood fascination with the ephemeral nature of clouds is evident in his art. His sculptures often feature cloud-like forms, representing thoughts and feelings that are intangible yet omnipresent. These barely-there shapes serve as metaphors for the invisible aspects of our lives—emotions, memories, and fleeting moments that shape who we are.
The Material and the Process
At first glance, it’s hard to believe that Nohara’s sculptures are made of wood, let alone carved from a single block. His preferred medium, camphor wood, is a traditional material in Japanese sculpture. It carries with it a sense of history and continuity, and its fragrance adds another sensory layer to his work. The choice of camphor wood is deliberate; it’s not just about the ease of carving but also about the material’s connection to time.
Nohara is deeply connected to the concept of time, which is evident in his choice of wood. He often speaks about how the rings of the wood reflect the passage of time. Each ring tells a story of growth, survival, and endurance. For Nohara, this is not just about the wood’s history but also about the human experience. Time passes, things change, but there’s always a trace left behind—a memory, a feeling, a lesson.
The Surreal and the Symbolic
Nohara’s work is often described as surreal, but it’s also deeply symbolic. His sculptures juxtapose familiar objects in unfamiliar ways, creating a visual language that is both intriguing and thought-provoking. Take, for instance, his life-size sculpture of a swimmer wrapped in an omelette, carrying a Japanese flag. This piece, displayed at the HKGTA Town Club, is both humorous and profound. It challenges our perceptions of reality and invites us to explore the deeper meanings hidden within the everyday.
This playful yet meaningful approach is a hallmark of Nohara’s work. He has a unique ability to take something ordinary and transform it into something extraordinary. His sculptures are not just objects; they are experiences, inviting the viewer to engage with them on multiple levels. They are puzzles waiting to be solved, dreams waiting to be interpreted.
The Flavour of Art: Nohara’s Current Exhibition
Nohara’s latest exhibition, The Flavour of Art, currently on display at HKGTA Town Club, is a testament to his evolving artistic vision. The private members club, known for its luxurious ambiance, provides a fitting backdrop for Nohara’s work. His sculptures have subtly taken over the space, appearing in unexpected places and surprising visitors at every turn.
As soon as you enter the club, you’re greeted by the swimmer sculpture—an introduction to the surreal world that awaits inside. The exhibition is a sensory journey, with each piece inviting you to pause, reflect, and perhaps even smile. Nohara’s art is not about grand statements; it’s about the small, subtle moments that make life interesting.
The club’s three restaurants, three bars, and four private rooms are dotted with Nohara’s creations. One of the standout pieces is a sculpture of a large white cloud rising from a cup of milky coffee. A figure, wearing swimming goggles, emerges from the cloud as if swimming through it. This piece, like many others in the exhibition, captures Nohara’s fascination with the ephemeral. It’s a visual representation of a fleeting thought, a moment of escape, or perhaps a dream that lingers just beyond reach.
The Evolution of Nohara’s Style
Kunihiko Nohara’s artistic journey began over sixteen years ago. His early work, while still rooted in the surreal, was more straightforward in its approach. One of his first significant pieces, Nomi Ho!, caught the attention of Eiichiro Sasaki, the founder of gallery UG. Sasaki saw something special in Nohara’s work—a potential that has since blossomed into a full-fledged artistic practice.
Over the years, Nohara’s style has evolved, becoming more complex and layered. His sculptures have grown in both concept and technique, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with wood. Today, his work is recognized not just in Japan but across the region. His pieces are collected by art enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of tradition and innovation that Nohara brings to the table.
Nohara’s current exhibition at HKGTA Town Club is a culmination of years of exploration and refinement. It’s a celebration of his unique vision and a testament to his growth as an artist. Each piece in the exhibition tells a story—sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, but always thought-provoking.
The Artist’s Philosophy
At the heart of Nohara’s work is a deep appreciation for the invisible aspects of life. He’s not interested in creating art that merely pleases the eye; he wants to create something that resonates with the soul. His sculptures are meant to evoke feelings, stir memories, and provoke thought. They are a reflection of his own experiences and observations, distilled into a form that others can relate to.
Nohara’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that art should be a dialogue between the artist and the viewer. His sculptures are not just to be looked at; they are to be engaged with. They invite you to step into his world, to see things from his perspective, and perhaps to discover something new about yourself in the process.
The Future of Kunihiko Nohara
As Kunihiko Nohara continues to explore the boundaries of his art, there’s no doubt that his work will continue to captivate and inspire. His ability to blend the surreal with the everyday, to create something extraordinary out of the ordinary, is what makes his art so special. Nohara’s journey is far from over, and one can only imagine what new ideas and forms he will bring to life in the years to come.
For now, visitors to HKGTA Town Club have the privilege of experiencing Nohara’s art in a setting that complements his vision. The exhibition is not just a showcase of his work; it’s an invitation to see the world through his eyes, to appreciate the beauty in the unexpected, and to embrace the surreal in our everyday lives.
In Kunihiko Nohara’s world, clouds are more than just vapor; they are the stuff of dreams. His sculptures remind us that there is more to life than what we see, that sometimes the most important things are those that are felt, not seen. And in a world that often feels too grounded in reality, Nohara’s art offers a much-needed escape—a chance to dream, to wonder, and to see the world with fresh eyes.e traditions but also documents the cultural shifts of his time.
References:
- Bhargava, Aaina. (2024). Meet Kunihiko Nohara, the Japanese artist who makes surreal sculptures from just one block of wood. Tatler Asia. Retrieved from Tatler Asia.
- HKGTA Town Club. (2024). The Flavour of Art exhibition details and featured artists.
- Interview excerpts and artist statements from Kunihiko Nohara’s official site and public interviews regarding his artistic philosophy and use of camphor wood.
- Gallery UG. (2024). Exhibition history and artist profile of Kunihiko Nohara.
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