"Control and Imperfection"
Interview with Aya Kawato - Grid Paintings produced through weaving traditional craft and neuroscience
CUT, C/U/T_dcccv-dcccv_(w)_I; H80.5 x W80.5cm; Acrylic on wooden panel; 2024; Photo by Takuya Oshima (Northern Studio)
Born in the ancient city of Nara, artist Aya Kawato later moved to Kyoto to immerse herself in the study of traditional Japanese textile arts. Influenced by her neuroscientist father, at the same time, she has been acutely aware from a young age of how we perceive the world through our brains.
Particularly fascinated by the optical illusions that arise during the brain’s processing of visual information, Kawato’s work is a unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship and neuroscience. Kawato’s art is a testament to the blending of these two seemingly disparate fields. By weaving together her knowledge of traditional crafts and the insights gained from neuroscience, Kawato produces art that is both visually captivating and intellectually stimulating, offering a fresh perspective that only she can provide.
“Control and Imperfection” is a theme Kawato has been exploring since her doctoral studies at Tokyo University of the Arts. “Grid Painting” refers to her unique works that reflect this theme. “In traditional Japanese textile arts, the numerous processes are carried out through painstakingly detailed manual labor. Even in the work of skilled artisans, subtle deviations inevitably occur. These deviations, born from the accumulation of handwork, possess a beauty that surpasses human control," she explains as if she blends dyeing and weaving techniques and human sensory perceptions in her perspective.
“Similarly, there is often a gap between the subject and our perceived image. Our three-dimensional world is interpreted by the brain from the two-dimensional images captured by the retina. However, the mechanisms of vision and cognition are complex and can sometimes lead to illusions. The discrepancy between reality and image signifies that we see a limited world processed by our brain.”
Reflecting her words, Kawato’s works express a beauty beyond human control through the subtle deviations that arise from layering simple grid patterns in acrylic paint. Her grid paintings create a gentle optical illusion, aiming to share with viewers the sensation that it is impossible to fully grasp the world before us. She continues to pursue this in her daily practice.
Sept. 7-28: "Tsuzuru Minamo"
Solo Exhibition by Aya Kawato @ Imura Art Gallery
Currently, Kawato has been involved in the production of the woven tapestry sponsored by Kawashima Selkon Textiles. She is designing and overseeing the production of the tapestry which will be displayed in the Guest House at the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025. The upcoming solo exhibition at Imura Art Gallery will showcase paintings inspired by the tapestry dyeing and weaving process.
Tues.-Sat.; 12:00-18:00, Closed: Sun., Mon., national holidays Imura art gallery first opened its door in Kyoto in 1990 as the contemporary art space in the city. The gallery has gained a reputation as a contemporary art gallery by presenting and exhibiting some of the most interesting and exciting contemporary art works both on the international and national stage.