Over the Influence is excited to announce Hirosuke Yabe’s exhibition Playground at the Hong Kong gallery space. The Japanese artist constantly questions ‘What is it to be human?’ and ‘What is a human being?’. He primarily uses chisels and often natas, the Japanese hatchet, to create sculptures from discarded Japanese wood that is often over 100 years old. It is Yabe’s intention to address the universality of human-nature experiences through the cute expression wooden sculptures, contrary to all aspects of human nature. This new series of sculptures on view from 14 July to 26 August 2023.

The devastating events in the recent years have had a significant impact on Yabe’s practice. Each piece embodies one’s complexity and contradictions, demonstrates the many facets of life that have been captivated and inspired him – the beauty, ugliness and dilemmas of life. An approach akin to a personal-watching diary, the work quietly observes and documents everyday life.

“My works may have cute expressions or be a little child-like. Yet human beings have many different sides, at times turning into “animals”, or “monsters”. Things that bring destruction, things that govern death, things that summon misfortune. Perhaps they blend seamlessly into the surroundings, ever-present, charming people, reeling them in with their adorable, innocent looks”, he said.

Exhibition Opening: 13 July 2023, 5 – 7 pm
* In-presence of the artist

Gallery address: G/F – 2/F, 52 Wyndham Street, Central