Art is inspired by nature, often elevated to greatness by its adaptation and heightened aesthetic. Nihonga creates from nature, using natural mineral pigments as the base for painting—part of a longstanding artistic tradition. Coming from a practice that is thousands of years old, with evidence remaining at sites such as Lascaux and Altamira, Nihonga embraces nature-derived color, transforming minerals onto materials such as washi (Japanese paper) and eginu (silk). “Summer Gems” juxtaposes paintings by Nihonga artists alongside many of the world’s finest mineral specimens, in conjunction with Wilensky. The resulting duality of minerals alongside paintings is a celebration of contrasting color, light, balance, and composition.
Stuart Wilensky, President at Wilensky says, “Wilensky Gallery solely displays nature's art, the finest examples of mineral specimens from around the world. It was serendipitous that we opened our gallery next door to the Sato Sakura Gallery, which exclusively displays the Japanese art of Nihonga painting. As our friendship developed, we both realized the connection between our natural mineral specimens and their Nihonga paintings. We are very honored to be part of a joint exhibition; a crossover concept of nature and art made for a natural and distinctive pairing. Aesthetic mineral specimens are displayed with Nihonga paintings, the same material with which the artists have created their pigments. This exhibit will show how the natural colors of mineral specimens link with the rich vibrant colors used by Nihonga artists. To be able to actually see a perfect electric blue Azurite crystal next to its visual representation and transformation to a compelling work of art is a unique experience, one that can only be had by a visit to this exhibit at the Sato Sakura Gallery.”
Featuring fourteen masterpiece Nihonga paintings, and five mineral specimens, “Summer Gems,” runs from July 11th through September 28th, 2019, Tuesday through Saturday, from 11:00 AM-6:00 PM at the Sato Sakura Gallery at 501 West 20th Street, New York, NY, 10011. The opening reception for “Summer Gems” will be held on July 11th, from 5:30-7:30 PM at Sato Sakura Gallery.
For Nihonga inquiries call 212-741-2120, or visit www.satosakuragallery.com. For fine mineral inquiries or sales, contact Wilensky directly at [email protected], 646-822-0837, or visit www.wilenskyminerals.com.
About Wilensky Fine Minerals
Wilensky Fine Minerals has entered a new chapter with the opening of a gallery in the Chelsea Art District of NYC, presenting fine minerals among the world’s great art galleries, displaying minerals as works of art. The new gallery opens up the amazing world of minerals to everyone. Minerals are displayed alongside neighbors exhibiting Warhol, Basquiat, Pollock and Picasso. Achieving the impact of art through natural mineral specimens is the goal. Not a competition, but a convergence.
