Ai Yamaguchi: Hana wa no ni aruyouni    Oct 11 - Nov 8, 2008

Simultaneous tension and harmony produced by disparate elements is the unifying thread throughout Ai Yamaguchi's Hana wa no ni aruyouni (Flowers as they are in the field). Hovering between Japanese animation and classical Edo-style painting, the work in the Tokyo-based artist's second exhibition with Roberts & Tilton incorporates site-specific installation and recent paintings. For this exhibition, Yamaguchi has conceptualized the gallery space in terms of traditional Japanese confections where the white gallery walls represent the starchy mochi, and the artworks themselves become the sugary anko of the Japanese sweets served during the tea ceremony. The centerpiece of the exhibition, a barrel-shaped room housing a panoramic mural, represents the bitter green tea which is intended to strike a distinct yet subtle balance among all the elements within the gallery space. Similarly, the unique mix of Japanese culture in Los Angeles is relayed through a beautifully rich story depicted in Yamaguchi's paintings.

Ai Yamaguchi’s exhibition is made possible with generous support of ANA, a Star Alliance Member. Additional support for the opening reception provided by Zen, Hakutsura Sake and Mighty Leaf.