We will hold an exhibition entitled “Hiroko Koshino – Homage to Klimt” at KH Gallery Ginza. Gustav Klimt was born in 1862. He was a painter in Vienna from the late 1800s to the 1900s. Known for his decorative works depicting a variety of women, including nudes and pregnant women, his distinctive gold works incorporate the traditional art forms of Egypt and Japan. It is said that his avant-garde ideas were controversial at the time. Koshino was overwhelmed by the Klimt paintings she encountered in Vienna and felt emotionally connected to his sensitivity to anticipate the new era and his life. As a fashion designer and an artist, Koshino was inspired by Klimt, attempting a variety of expressions from 2013 to today. This exhibition will showcase “WORK #1078 Blue Bird of Happiness”, one of the largest works of her which she created in 2013, for the first time in five years. It also features a collection of a wide range of expressive paintings, such as works that take advantage of textiles designed for Hiroko Koshino Collection, as well as works using India ink and Japanese paper, and works that allow the viewer to enjoy deep color changes and profound materials. Her most recent work, created on the occasion of appearance on a special Klimt episode of the NHK program “Nichiyo Bijutsukan” broadcast in January 2018, will also be exhibited.
Klimt pursued his own sense of beauty without being caught up in trends and common ideas of the time. We hope you will enjoy Koshino Hiroko’s innovative expression, which responds across time to Klimt’s spirit.