ANNE KAGIOKA RIGOULET

The title of this exhibition, Undersurface, embodies Kagioka’s deep-seated desire to visualise “hidden layers and invisible worlds beyond mere surface appearances,” a sentiment she has imbued in her work from the very beginning. In this series, the artist is not seeking to recreate the images reflected on water surfaces but rather to capture what lies beneath and behind the perceivable realm—such as the energy that shapes nature, the ambience and sensations of a place, and the movements and forces that emerge during the process of abstraction where tangible forms lose their original shapes. These elements are then brought to life on canvas as paintings.

The resulting works are never about interpretations or specific narratives. Instead, Kagioka seeks to explore the inherent potential of painting itself, avoiding the imposition of words or figurative images. By delving into the essence of painting—what moment to capture, what composition to depict, what colour and material texture to apply, and how to create a painting surface that directly affects someone’s deepest sensibilities—her work brings forth vigour and dynamism.

In this exhibition, Kagioka places particular emphasis on her continued dedication to the exploration of colour, investigating the balance and interplay of hues and saturation in each piece. Alongside meticulously chosen colours, she employs the classical mural technique known as sgraffito and fabric collages to create varied surface textures and volumes, further expanding the diversity of her work. The watercolour studies displayed alongside the finished pieces offer insight into Kagioka’s unique use of colour and the process by which the three-dimensional quality of her work emerges, providing viewers with a deeper appreciation of her artistic journey.

Additionally, Kagioka has recently developed a new technique beyond her established method of adding volume to the surface. By carving into the surface to create indentations she reveals formerly concealed layers. This innovative approach signifies a new stage in her lifelong attempt to break free of the flat nature of painting.

Reflecting on the past decade, Kagioka states, “I have reached this point by continually facing each piece and constantly striving to develop and transform various elements.” Her sincere engagement with painting—pursuing its history, limits, and possibilities—has led her to the creation of works with sculptural spatiality that only Kagioka can produce. This practice, which has evolved over the ten years since the birth of the series, continues to do so even now. We invite you to experience the layers of the world beneath the surface, unveiled by Kagioka’s relentless pursuit of the depths of painting.

Press Release : Written by Haruna Takeda