The annual exhibition of Kenichi KOYAMA
at SEIGETSU-DO gallery in Ginza
It is his 14th exhibition held at the same gallery.
Although I was here last year,
the new line-up of his latest works came across as very refreshing and pleasantly surprising.
Casual Kimono for daily outings.
The combination of cool yellow and grey done in a dynamic checkered pattern is eye-catching yet compliments those who wear it.
I wonder if it’s a feather or a leaf.
Sukui-ori (skim-weave) technique to express the light touch of the objects,
floating in the wind, is very elegant.
Some consider Sukui-ori as Kenichi’s trademark.
“There was a time when I felt like I had to use Sukui-ori on every kimono,
because that’s what people want from me”
He had to take a break from it at one point,
and now he became “able to decide if it’s necessary to use the technique by looking at the entire picture”, says Kenichi.
This probably feels like just wearing a checkered shirt,
somewhat close to our modern, daily fashion.
He used reddish brown colour for vertical thread, instead of black,
which adds gentle, feminine atmosphere to the kimono.
This exhibition marks the 14th year.
Many of those who visit here are long-time fans of his works.
Rie ISHIKAWA, the organiser of this exhibition,
together with Kenichi, and his guests.
Rie (on the right) wears Kenichi’s work from 10 years ago.
Sophisticated stripe pattern with warm colours made me want one, too!.
“Nothing more difficult than simple stripe” says Kenichi.
The choice of colours and it’s balance, width.
It has to be all decided before you set out to weave, and no change can be made thereafter.
It is to reveal your experience and aesthetic sense fully.
The lady, the second right, was on this blog last year too.
Bright emerald green is her colour for sure.
Kenichi first made the design for this kimono 20 years ago,
and she asked for it to be made in her favourite colour after 5 years.
The lady on the left is the first female to become a KODAN-SHI (professional storyteller)
She is also wearing Kenichi’s work.
I got to see Kenichi’s past works leading up to his presents’, which was fortunate and interesting.
The exhibition is held until the 8th (SUN) at SEIGETSU-DO gallery
It is open from 11am to 7pm (5pm on the 8th)