Delusion (shown at Art Stage 2016)
48 x 70 x 8 cms
Seed & cut beads, 24k gold beads, antique Japanese Kimono textiles, wood, stuffing
Eri Imamura
My art work is a way of sending messages to the world right now. It can be both spiritual and political. It is my voice, wish and hope.
EVOLUTION in Reverse (shown at Art Stage 2016)
52 x 69 x 7cms
Seed, cut & 24k gold beads, antique Japanese Kimono textiles, wood, stuffing
JP Girl B “I’m Going To Be Happy”
65 x 167 x 8 cms
Seed, cut & 24k gold beads, antique Japanese Kimono textiles, wood, stuffing
Illusion (shown at Art Stage 2016)
48 x 70 x 8 cms
Seed & cut beads, 24k gold beads, antique Japanese Kimono textiles, wood, stuffing
EVOLUTION in Reverse – detail (shown at Art Stage 2016)
52 x 69 x 7cms
Seed, cut & 24k gold beads, antique Japanese Kimono textiles, wood, stuffing
Delusion – detail (shown at Art Stage 2016)
48 x 70 x 8 cms
Seed & cut beads, 24k gold beads, antique Japanese Kimono textiles, wood, stuffing
Japanese textile artist Eri Imamura creates human sculptures with exquisite beading on antique kimonos. Her work generally falls into two concepts, traditional Japanese myth, or contemporary political ironic messages. “I use the symbolism and spirituality of tattoos to tell my stories”
Firstly where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in a suburb of Tokyo in Japan. In 2003 I went to the US to study Native American Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico for five years. Then in 2008 I returned to Tokyo and in 2009 married my Thai husband and stayed in Bangkok, Thailand for eight years. I came back to Tokyo again in 2017 and am now living in Kanagawa near Tokyo.
What is your background in textiles?
Since I was a little girl, I have always loved textiles and fashion, of course. Also I always loved Kimono textiles. My grandmother dyed Bingata, a method of dyeing Kimono in Okinowa, as her hobby and made a Kimonos when I was little. I think I got my influence from her. I graduated with a BA in Textile Arts from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and went to the US to study Native American Art. It was there I discovered bead work and focused on traditional beading. I was awarded AA in Indigenous Studies, from the Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe which is the Highest Honors.
What is it about beading that appeals to you?
I love fibers [textiles], it’s about colours, textures and delicacy. Beads have all this and more. Beads can be made from so many materials so there are infinite textures, colours and sizes. I feel they have unlimited potential to express art. Also I like that beads have a good weight and shimmer and shine with lights, they are so beautiful.
How do you describe your work?
I make mainly human sculptures by beading kimono textiles. They are three dimensional sculptural reliefs made of fully beaded antique Kimono textiles. Each piece has different and strong messages in tattoo designs. Some are traditional Japanese myths I believe, and some convey contemporary political ironic messages. I use the symbolism and spirituality of tattoos to tell my stories. My art work is a way of sending messages to the world right now. It could be both spiritual and political. It is my voice, wish and hope.
How do you create a piece?
I use two thread spot stitch appliqué techniques. I first thread the beads and tack down them with a second thread into the shape I want for the textile. It’s very time-consuming work. It takes me months to finish a piece. In that way, I think it is similar to Japanese embroidery, or Sashiko. Both are time-consuming and because of that both are meditative works.
I know this is a hard question but how long does a bigger piece take?
A life size beaded torso would takes me two or three months to finish. It depends on design though. Sometimes it takes me more than a half year!
What are you most proud of in your art career so far?
My 2016 Solo show, The Nippon Phenomenon Project; Art Stage Singapore, Singapore. Art Stage is one of the most important Art Fairs in the world, and I am so honoured to have a solo exhibition there.
Where can people purchase or see your work?
My works are represented by lalanta fine art gallery in Bangkok. People can purchase and see them in Bangkok.
Also my gallery exhibits my work in Art Fairs internationally, such as Basel, London, New York, Miami, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei etc. I update in Instagram about my schedules.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I’m planning a solo exhibition in the gallery in Bangkok maybe next year. Due to Covid 19 the schedule is not fixed yet. I will have a very exciting set of new pieces coming up for the show with a very strong concept of works. After that show, I would like to exhibit my work in other places around the world. Please check my schedule sometimes in future. And I hope many different people in the world see my work and messages.