EXHIBITION-FUTURE

Ranging from twenty centimetres to just under two metres in height,
the often-elongated dimensions of these paintings give the viewer
the impression that they reveal only a partial view of a far bigger
picture. The repetition of fluctuating lines and organic shapes leave
the compositions both empty and full. Naomi’s interest in the philosophy
of Chinese painting and Japanese karesansui gardens, as well as a
childhood spent living in the Middle Eastern desert have resulted in
a reduced palette of colour and contributed to the development
of her painting:

“I have always been fascinated by the way in which traditional Japanese
architecture is capable of softening the boundaries between interior and
exterior space. Some of the minimal qualities found in these environments,
created through the use of the grid, repetitive line and the subtle effects of
light, had been occurring to a certain extent in my own painting since art
school. However, it is only since arriving in Tokyo in 1998 that I have
been able to re-examine these undeveloped ideas from a fresh perspective
and begin to relate my paintings more to the natural environment
surrounding them.”
Naomi Van Holbutt-Kirk Feb.2001

Naomi Van Holbutt-Kirk is a British painter who has been working from
a Tokyo studio since 1998. She completed her training in Fine Art
Painting in 1994, graduating with a First Class Honours Degree from
London’s Chelsea College of Art and Design. Since graduation, she
has worked from studios in both Paris and London before her arrival
in Japan. During her time in Tokyo, she has worked as the British School
in Tokyo’s first Artist in Residence (1999-2000), been commissioned to
produce a memorial mural for the school in association with Tata
Architects and currently has her work on display at the British Embassy,
Tokyo. From April 2001, she will begin a two-year Monbusho scholarship
at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music as a Research
Student in Fine Arts. Her paintings are held in private collections
throughout Europe, North America and Japan.

Sponsored by The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation,
The Royal Bank of Scotland, Plc.,
Supported by The British Embassy, Tokyo,
The British Council, Tokyo, and
The British Chamber of Commerce Japan.
A ‘Gallery Talk’ will be included in the exhibition programme.

Please contact the gallery for details.

saoh.tomos@yuri.ne.jp


Times Flies Like an Arrow ♯6 Oil on Linen 28x39cm	Times Flies Like an Arrow ♯10 Oil on Linen 39x28cm