Junko Iijima: Hybridization

Wednesday February 1st, 2006 through Saturday February 25th, 2006

Junko Iijima’s installation “Hybridization” explores traditional cast-iron patterning from Japanese Nanbu Ironware (best known as tea kettles), while considering pop culture forms. The idea is conveyed by small sculptures, pencil drawings and images of the drawings printed large-scale on polysilk fabric. Iijima’s installation demonstrates the melding of cultural signifiers through commodities. These small sculptures, slightly altered and no longer carrying any functional components, challenge the viewer to examine the objects for influences and familiarity. The sculptural forms have the influence of contemporary American pop culture; creating hybrids of the new and the old, East and West. The series of drawings and large prints reinforce the influence of commodity through scale.

Junko exhibits her work nationally and regionally. She is currently represented in Seattle with Bryan Ohno Gallery and in San Francisco with Velvet Da Vinci. In 2004, Junko completed a three-month Iron-casting residency at John Michael Kohler Art Center’s Arts/Industry program in Wisconsin. This installation was made possible with a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council.