Artist Introduction Vol.13: Kohei Maeda

The Chemistry of Kohei Maeda×Kozanji Temple

A Profound “Other World” of Layered Prayer.
From the Jomon to Prince Shotoku, Kobo-Daishi and the spirits of the mountains, the ancient temple where all kinds of prayers are accumulated invites you to enter its door into a “profound other world”.

Kohei Maeda, a native of Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture, has been creating works based on the relationship between people, nature, and events, using his own experiences as a guide. This work was inspired by the “Kozanji-style earthenware” found at the ancient temple where the exhibition will be held. It can be said that this work visualizes the layers of prayer, time, and wisdom of the mountains where spirits, gods, and Buddha reside.

＜About the Artist＞
Born in Wakayama in 1991. He studied at Paris National School of Fine Arts Ecole des Beaux-Arts as an exchange student, and graduated from Otemae University, Faculty of Media Arts, Department of Art Studies in 2015. He also completed the Department of Painting, Concept and Media Planning course, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Kyoto City University of Arts in 2017. He is interested in relationships and the distance of people, nature and things, and continues his exploratory journey with various perspectives. Based on his own actions and experiences, he presents his work such as videos and performances, both at home and abroad. His projects include “Mandalabo”, which follows the philosophical ideas of Minakata Kumagusu. Currently, he is based in the share studio “SSK (Super Studio Kitakagaya)”, on the site of the former dockyard in Osaka. Major exhibitions include “Methods of Connection” Kyoto Art Center, solo exhibition “Pangasianodon Gigas” Kyoto City University of Arts Gallery @KCUA, and solo exhibition “Itomu” Gallery PARC. He won the Kobe Mayor’s Prize at Rokko Meets Art Art Walk 2019.

https://koheimaeda.com/

Venue

Kozanji Temple

Kozanji Temple was founded by Kobo-Daishi Kukai (the great teacher who spread the dharma), and is lined with many halls, including a multi-storey pagoda that was built during the Edo period. The cemetery at the temple overlooks the sea and is the resting place of Kumagusu Minakata, a giant of knowledge, and Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Many archaeological artifacts have been found in the shell mounds on the temple precincts, including “Kozanji-style earthenware” decorated with oshigata-mon and yoriito-mon.

Opening Hours: 10:00- 16:30
Entrance Fee: Free
Open 7 days a week

392 Inari-cho Tanabe city Wakayama, Japan 646-0051