Deep insight into the real

Two exhibitions with a deep insight into the real are being held at galleries in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The first is Reinhardt Sobye Solo Exhibition. The 1956-born Norwegian artist is famous for his drawings focusing on oppressed people or war victims, and "portraits" using photography and digital print. The exhibition entitled "Dreams -- Violence's and Victims" presents 29 recent works, including "The Angel and The Last Child on Earth" featuring an absentminded woman with wings holding a black child watching somewhere distant. Also exhibited here are portraits of Shigeru Yokota and his wife Sakie Yokota, who has been active in the abduction issue with other abductee members. In those portraits based on a direct contact with them, Sobye intends a quiet accusation of a dark aspect of human existence. (through September 27 at Toho Gallery)

by Sanzo Tanaka (September 24 on Asahi Shimbun)