Ishii reflects on the process of the traditional dyeing technique, Yuzen, as a memory recording device, capturing a society that continuously evolves. Throughout the dyeing process, Ishii incorporates social phenomena into his works using vibrant colors. Through engaging with his works, viewers can take the opportunity to reflect on the events, which concern the society in which they live. Kyoto, this exhibition venue is the birthplace of Yuzen. During the Genroku period (1688-1703), the painter Yuzensai Miyazaki's style of drawing scenic events from the seasons, using vivid colors and innovative designs without the use of decorative gold thread or embroidery, appealed to people, in which Yuzen is originated.
In this exhibition, Ishii questions the significance of traditional art in modern times. As an overseas trainee of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, he researched the Arts in London, encountering new materials, exploring and discovering Western and Oriental paintings and dye expressions. This exhibition is comprised of two series from the works made using a combination of the traditional method of Itome Yuzen, and Western stain painting: analogue and digital expression. 1) The Night City Scenery series focuses on neon scenery, which symbolizes the modern city.
By capturing the image of neon light and electric energy floating in the night city through a dyeing process, in which "steam fixation of dye" means "preservation", the image is stored by means of a painting technique. Consequently, Ishii examines the possibility of traditional art, Western painting and stain painting. 2) The Urban drift, Cardboard and Waterfall series deal with the theme of garbage we encounter on the city streets. Similarly, to the "Night City Scenery" series, the possibility of traditional art, Western painting and stain painting is examined by storing the photographed images of garbage on the street that one discovers by chance during urban observation, and transforming them into a painted format.
