EXHIBIT: Hideo Tanaka’s ‘Iki Na Hikari’ Graces Galerie Stephanie at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong
Join Japanese Contemporary Painter Hideo Tanaka as he challenges our perception of “normal” in his first solo exhibition, “Iki Na Hikari (A Breath of Life)” at the newest Galerie Stephanie at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City!
Galerie Stephanie and Cartellino at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City / IMAGE from Galerie Stephanie
Running until March 3, 2024, Iki Na Hikari highlights Tanaka’s quiet surrealist masterpieces, using the fleeting element of time as his medium for deconstruction.
In one of his works, “6 minutes 22 seconds”, two seemingly identical drinking glasses stand side-by-side: one glistens with fresh ice cubes, while the other holds stagnant water. This subtle contrast exposes the transient nature of “normal,” hinting at how fleeting moments can irrevocably alter our perspective.
6 minutes 22 seconds by Hideo Tanaka. 17.9 x 17.9 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. / IMAGE from Galerie Stephanie
The exhibition further explores this theme through a series of still lifes, featuring perishable goods like fruits and flowers. As these once vibrant objects succumb to the elements, their decay is rendered in such exquisite detail that it becomes strangely captivating.
We witness the inevitable passage of time not as a source of loss, but as a testament to the inherent beauty of transience.
Dry White by Hideo Tanaka. 28.6 x 19.6 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. / IMAGE from Galerie Stephanie
Aside from still life paintings, Hideo Tanaka also explores human figures in his hyperrealist paintings. Works like “Rest ‘Winter’” capture individuals suspended in moments of contemplation, their expressions hinting at the subtle shifts in our internal landscapes as seasons change.
Rest ‘Winter’ by Hideo Tanaka. 45.94 x 28.6 inches. Acrylic on Canvas. / IMAGE from Galerie Stephanie
Along with Tanaka’s Iki na Hikari, Galerie Stephanie celebrated the opening of their new location with two more solo exhibitions by Filipino Pop-Surrealist Mr. S (aka Mark Jeffrey Santos) and Bandung-Based Visual Artist Addy Debil.
Mr. S’ “Yutori” highlighted his skill in depicting fantastical and dreamlike landscapes with his trademark adventure-seeking characters accompanied by larger-than-life creatures. On the other hand, “Intertwining Memory Lanes” by Addy Debil features vibrant-colored and smiling characters that exude scenes of connection, child-like memories, and community.
Galerie Stephanie also shared their new space with Cartellino, “the Philippines’ first art e-commerce platform”. To celebrate the opening of their first physical gallery space, Cartellino presented Little Paper Show, a group show featuring over 30 of their artists.
Galerie Stephanie at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City / IMAGE from Galerie Stephanie
The four exhibits will be on view until March 3, 2024. Galerie Stephanie and Cartellino are now located at Level 6, East Wing, Shangri-la Plaza, EDSA corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.
For inquiries, you may reach Galerie Stephanie at at inquiry.galeriestephanie@gmail.com or 02-7940-5726. The gallery is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This is a press release. Minor edits were made prior to publishing.
