solo exhibition
Announcing Saya Moriyasu’s exhibition, Ozekitachi 尾石達- Stone Tails, at J. Rinehart Gallery
(Seattle, WA) — January 17, 2024 — J. Rinehart Gallery is delighted to announce exhibition of long- time Seattle artist, Saya Moriyasu. Moriyasu’s exhibition, Ozekitachi 尾石達- Stone Tails, brings together the heightened awareness of Japanese spirits escaping from the depths of oozing hot water, basking in their first daylight, and encountering humans within their thermal wonders.
Ozekitachi 尾石達- Stone Tails will be on view online and in the Gallery March 2 - 27, 2024. Collectors Preview Reception will be held in the gallery Saturday, March 2 from 3-5pm. Public Opening will be held First Thursday, March 7 from 5- 8pm. An Artist Talk will be held Saturday March 16 from 2- 4pm.
The term "Ozekitachi" (尾石達) combines "Ozeki" (尾石), which can be interpreted as "tail of the stone,” and "tachi" (達), a suffix often used to pluralize or indicate a group of individuals. In Japanese, adding "tachi" to a noun or name can suggest a plural form or indicate a group. The family is comprised of Onsen (hot springs), creatures, members of the Ozeki.
The indigenous Japanese Shinto religion, Kami (gods), or spirits inhabit every facet of existence. Moriyasu highlights ancient geology and origin of life through her depictions of thermal creatures. They break through the mineral deposits of the Onsen, imbuing them with unadorned simplicity.
Moriyasu’s creatures communicate by expelling their minerals upon awakening beneath the surface. Using clay sourced from the earth, Moriyasu encapsulates these entities through their mineral dried mouths and eyes.
Of her work Moriyasu states: “During the road trip to my September 2023 residency at Mission Street Arts in New Mexico, a transformative journey unfolded, where the hot springs (onsen ♨ in Japanese) became a profound source of inspiration. I found myself enveloped in the wordless communication of the waters. Though incomprehensible in language, I felt the energy and presence of deities within the depths.”
Working in clay, wood, ink, and many other materials, Moriyasu’s work is often comprised of many small pieces that make up a larger piece. Her work can be found in the collections of the Henry Art Gallery, Seattle Art Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, Wing Luke Museum, Whatcom Museum, Western Gallery, Western Washington University, NW Museum of Arts and Culture, and Washington State University, as well as countless private collections throughout the U.S.
J. Rinehart Gallery 319 Third Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98104 www.jrinehartgallery.com
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About J. Rinehart Gallery
J. Rinehart Gallery is founded on the principle that bringing art into your home enhances your quality of living, connects you to your community and fosters a greater understanding of humanity. Our diverse group of artists allows us to exhibit a variety of artwork suitable for any budget and will complement your personal sense of style. Our mission is to create an environment where anyone can feel comfortable visiting the gallery to explore marvelous works of art and discuss your wants and needs. We deal in the art of falling in love with art.