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Protection | Akiko SUMIYOSHI x U-die Duo Solo Exhibition Information

This May, AKI Gallery is pleased to present Protection, a duo solo exhibition featuring Japanese artists Akiko SUMIYOSHI and U-die. Through idiosyncratic visual languages—rooted respectively in Eastern cosmologies of nature and Western narratives of power—the two artists deconstruct the seemingly straightforward concept of "protection." Here, protection is never merely a symbol of tenderness; it may also imply subtle control or lurking depletion.

Akiko SUMIYOSHI (b.1981) leads viewers into an alternate realm—an illusory forest interwoven with flora and fauna. Her intricate and refined compositions feature animals as central figures, rendered in delicate brushwork and layered colors against gold-leaf backdrops. Her practice echoes the graceful aesthetics of RIMPA (りんぱ) and traditional Japanese painting, while also embedding contemporary concerns for the natural world. As we gaze into her works, we enter a loop of mutual observation—watching and being watched.

U-die (b.1987), on the other hand, inherits the bold language of Pop Art. Integrating spray paint, graffiti, and street art aesthetics, his works create a visual "explosion" on the canvas. Employing a comic-like style with vivid contours and powerful image structures, U-die constructs scenes suspended between humor and critique. Beneath their playful surface lies a deeper commentary on urban life, consumerism, and human behavior. His works destabilize traditional power figures, offering a strategic response to contemporary realities. By leveraging the accessibility of comic imagery, U-die draws the audience into a space of critical reflection.

As philosopher Immanuel Kant once wrote, “Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made.” This sentiment finds tangible expression in Protection. Through their respective artistic languages, SUMIYOSHI and U-die ask: Is protection truly an act of love—or does it wear the mask of benevolence while imposing control and discipline? Join us at AKI Gallery from May 10 to May 31, 2025, and experience this provocative dialogue.

Exhibition Details

• Protection | Akiko SUMIYOSHI x U-die Duo Solo Exhibition
• Date: 10 - 31 May 2025
• Venue: AKI Gallery
• Address: 141, Min Tsu West Road, Taipei

Information Source: Provided by AKI Gallery