To Kyoto with Love (Kimono Series)
To Kyoto with Love (Kimono Series) 2023 Acrylics, collage, inks on canvas 48”w x 60”h
In the mixed-media painting ‘To Kyoto with Love” Skip Hill explores the cultural and artistic richness of Japanese kimonos through the lens of Utamaro's ukiyo-e prints and Hokusai's iconic woodblock paintings, where the intricate designs and vibrant colors of these traditional garments transcend fashion, becoming timeless expressions of Japan's exquisite aesthetic sensibilities.
The allure of the kimono transcends borders, weaving its elegant influence into Western culture. From the exoticism depicted in art during the Japonisme movement to contemporary fashion runways, the kimono's timeless grace continues to captivate and inspire, fostering a harmonious blend of East-meets-West sartorial expressions.
Through a kaleidoscope of hand cut imagery sourced from traditional and contemporary Japanese art, advertising and literature, To Kyoto with Love is a visual symphony that illustrates the artist’s admiration for the serene and the sublime, as well as the vibrant energy and the eclectic spirit of Japanese pop culture.
The decorative pattern of the kimono is a collage of Kanji characters, Japanese currency, street fashion, Manga, Pokémon, Hokusai’s famous Ukiyo-e print ‘The Wave’, and Shunga, traditional erotic art from the 17th century Edo period.
