Paintings by Tetsuya Ishida are as beautiful as they are tormented. Though captivating to look at, his artwork has a solemn quality, often depicting individuals submerged, trapped or otherwise held in uncomfortable positions.
In many, the figures who occupy his works appear both burdened and resigned to their fate, almost as if they were sentenced to a repetitive task. The images have a quality reminiscent of the Farnese Atlas sculpture, picturing Atlas condemned to the never-ending duty of holding up the heavens.
Tetsuya Ishida, who passed away in 2005, created works that were a not so subtle critique of modern Japanese society with its obligations, conformity, pressures, and lack of opportunities.
Recommended!
The artwork of Tetsuya Ishida
Gagosian Gallery
7th floor, Pedder Building
12 Pedder Street
Central, Hong Kong
From November 7th to December 21st, 2013