Narihiro Matsumoto unveils decade spanning exhibition in Tartu

Japanese artist Narihiro Matsumoto has opened a solo exhibition in Tartu featuring his newest photo series, which concludes a 10 year creative journey and is being shown to the public in Estonia for the first time, ERR reports.

The exhibition, titled “40–42”, is on display at the Miga art space in Mikro-Veneetsia, Tartu. Matsumoto is visiting Estonia for the second time. Two years ago, he spent the winter in residence at Voronja gallery on the shore of Lake Peipus.

He described that experience as special, sometimes difficult and unforgettable, saying he still often thinks about it.

“I actually prefer winter to summer. But if someone asked me now when I would next like to come to Estonia, I would answer: in summer. I am discovering many things here that I did not see in winter. Many things that were hidden in winter become visible in summer,” Matsumoto said at the exhibition opening.

The artist creates his works through feelings and intuition while closely observing the world around him. He compares the process to making a one pot stew: things he sees remain inside him, slowly mix and dissolve, and later emerge naturally in his work.

Matsumoto begins each work with a drawing, then builds an object that he takes into nature to photograph. For him, the finished photograph is not the most important part. The entire process of creating the work matters more.

“Everything that happens in the studio until the work is completed is a work of art for me. The photographs are like a bonus or documentation,” Matsumoto said.

When photographing the objects, his work becomes highly focused and physical. He often continues until he is completely exhausted or until the sun sets. Matsumoto compares this to a cat instinctively chasing its toy while playing.

Narihiro Matsumoto’s exhibition “40–42” is open at the Miga art space in Tartu until October 25.