Artist Mika Tajima presents a comprehensive solo exhibition at Pace's Hong Kong gallery, revealing four distinct bodies of work that probe the complex relationships between technology, perception, and human experience.
The exhibition, titled Penumbra, derives its name from the subtle transitional zone between complete shadow and light—a metaphor for the nuanced boundaries between digital and physical realms. Tajima's works methodically dissect how technological systems mediate human perception and agency.
Her "Art d'Ameublement" series features ambient paintings created using an innovative technique of dispersing paint pigments through air onto transparent acrylic surfaces. These works generate luminous, gradient-like compositions that blur boundaries between material and immaterial states. The paintings challenge traditional painting methods by transforming paint application into a performative, atmospheric process.
The "Negative Entropy" textile works represent another critical component of the exhibition. By converting brain wave patterns and audio recordings into visual spectrograms, Tajima translates intangible neurological and sonic data into material representations. This process interrogates how information transforms across different sensory and technological platforms.
Complementing these works are two sculptural series: glass "Anima" sculptures and rose quartz "Pranayama" pieces. The sculptures integrate references to traditional healing practices, particularly acupuncture, while exploring energy transmission and bodily interfaces with technological systems.
Tajima's practice consistently examines how technological frameworks shape individual and collective experiences. Her work does not merely describe these interactions but actively constructs alternative perceptual environments that challenge viewers' understanding of mediation, representation, and agency.
Penumbra offers a nuanced exploration of how digital and aesthetic technologies continuously reshape our understanding of materiality, consciousness, and human potential.
The exhibition runs at Pace Hong Kong (12/F, H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central) until December 21, 2024.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.