The Japan Foundation Gallery will be transformed into a temporary dwelling place for a contemporary version of the obakemono, spirit-possessed creatures, evoked from their hidden worlds with an imperative warning for us all.They are a new breed that surround and haunt our routines, intangible and ever-present.

Gemma Cuneo in her first solo exhibition cleverly adopts the prevalent quirks and issues that blight society by personifying them as modern obakemonos. Her creations serve as stark reminders of the imperfect world we live in, and physically demonstrate before us the ramifications of daily human activity on the environment and ourselves.

Meet Gemma in person on Saturday 22nd August from 11am to 4pm at the Japan Foundation Gallery.

What: Urban Ghosts Exhibition
When: 12th to 28th August 2009
Where: Shop 23, Level 1, Chifley Plaza | 2 Chifley Square, Sydney 2000
Contact:

Collaborative artists Tanya Schultz and Nicole Andrijevic , an artist duo from Western Australia also known as Pip & Pop , create a colourful explosion of blissful abundance at the Japan Foundation Gallery from 15 May – 3 June. Pip & Pop appeared in last year’s YEN-produced Curvy 5 Sweet Dreams for Queen Bees and has recently had their work exhibited in Federation Square, Melbourne, Westspace, Melbourne, and at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art.

Escape the daily grind and for one breathtaking sensational moment Under the Crystal Sky , you will find yourself immersed in a rainbow wonderland of sweetness engulfed with child-like awe as you wander through the fairytale playground of utopian dreams. Under the Crystal Sky is a vibrant installation lavishly filled with dunes of coloured sugar, embellished with miniature objects and all things sweet, accompanied with sounds designed by Big Ear. The exhibition springs from Pip & Pop’s fascination with the kawaii (cute) aesthetics of Japanese pop culture that ranges from items you come across at the local bargain shop to intricately folded origami pieces, to disposable edible objects.

Pip & Pop are one of the three selected finalists of the Japan Foundation, Sydney’s new artist program, Facetnate! Other finalists include Andrea Innocent (VIC) and Gemma Cuneo (NSW) who will be exhibiting their work in the following months ahead. One of these three will be awarded the Japan Foundation New Artist Award, and will receive a return airfare from Sydney to Tokyo to further develop his/her field of art.

Facetnate! was launched early 2008 to support emerging visual artist/s whose work demonstrates a strong Japanese influence. The program provides a platform of opportunity for local Australia-based artists to contribute to the circle of cultural exchange through various means of artistic expression.

Under the Crystal Sky Exhibition
Dates : 15th May to 3rd June 2009
Venue : Japan Foundation Gallery, Level 1, Chifley Plaza, Sydney
Gallery Hours : Monday – Friday, 11am – 4pm
Meet the Artists : Saturday 16 May, 11am – 4pm
Admission : Free