WetheChildrenoftheStars

"Kiyoko Sakai sees this exhibit as a synthesis of all of her parts Japanese and American, spiritual and earthly, abstract and literal. The most striking piece in this impressive show is "We are the Children of the Stars," a huge (111" x 192") installation that fuses the cosmic and the worldly. In this collage, fantastical canvas pieces the color of vibrant sunsets are interspersed with black and white figure drawings. The colorful elements represent the heights Sakai's spirit strives to achieve, while the figures represent her "need to stay grounded."The nine single works in the show utilize color, but most notably, shape. Sakai breaks out of the plain square by cutting her painted canvases into different shapes that complete the painting as a finished work. The majority of Sakai's art is abstract, and most pieces do not represent anything physical, but through color choice and intensity of brush strokes she succeeds in communicating a message on a metaphysical level. In addition to brush on canvas, Sakai uses crayon, tree branches dipped in ink, string, sponges, and spatulas dipped in paint to keep her from being trapped in one look. Sakai has been painting for over 25 years and grappling with national identity, spirituality, and art. The result is an exhibit that challenges our expectations and freely goes outside the lines."





			"WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE STARS" 1998 Wall installation, Acylic and oil on shaped paper 111" X 192"

	MyungSook Lee Gallery Exhibit Full Review "Kiyoko Sakai sees this exhibit as a synthesis of all of her parts Japanese and American, spiritual and earthly, abstract and literal. The most striking piece in this impressive show is "We are the Children of the Stars," a huge (111" x 192") installation that fuses the cosmic and the worldly. In this collage, fantastical canvas pieces the color of vibrant sunsets are interspersed with black and white figure drawings. The colorful elements represent the heights Sakai's spirit strives to achieve, while the figures represent her "need to stay grounded."The nine single works in the show utilize color, but most notably, shape. Sakai breaks out of the plain square by cutting her painted canvases into different shapes that complete the painting as a finished work. The majority of Sakai's art is abstract, and most pieces do not represent anything physical, but through color choice and intensity of brush strokes she succeeds in communicating a message on a metaphysical level. In addition to brush on canvas, Sakai uses crayon, tree branches dipped in ink, string, sponges, and spatulas dipped in paint to keep her from being trapped in one look. Sakai has been painting for over 25 years and grappling with national identity, spirituality, and art. The result is an exhibit that challenges our expectations and freely goes outside the lines." - Angela Moore, Cover Magazine, May 1998 To go back, click here. Copyright © 2005 Kiyoko Sakai. All rights reserved.