DCG London is proud to present, for the first time at its London location, a solo exhibition by Kana Tsumura, a young Japanese artist of exceptional talent. Born in 1998 in Hiroshima, Tsumura is rapidly making her mark in the contemporary art world.

Kana Tsumura graduated from the prestigious Musashino Art University, specializing in Oil Painting. Tsumura has received numerous awards, drawing the attention of many collectors and art critics for her unique interpretation of Still life.

Kana’s images, which like their Latin root Imago are phantoms, dreams, memories, reflections, hallucinations, share unrepeatable moments through a meticulous and evocative description of intimate experiences. Magical and mysterious close-ups of banquets intertwine with hands in motion, reaching to grasp delicious fruits, while fallen flowers are scattered on the table like precious fragments of life, forever encapsulated in a quantic time.

In her works, Kana Tsumura maintains an enchanting balance between feminine interior scenes and the "tradition" of Still life, carving out her own space that is unparalleled. The narrative is intentional, a dynamic snapshot that, set against a bright blue background, reveals traces of us amidst the warm light and shadows of candles. In a synesthetic wonder, we taste the wine, smell the food, and hear the sound of our footsteps as we cross the threshold of a world transitioning from silence to a sweet whisper, while our gaze remains fascinated and overwhelmed by the prodigy of this young artist's imagination.

The exhibition, titled Life in still life features a new series of thirteen works that through hypnotic lens, invite viewers to navigate the depths of emotions and the complexities of a modern story of femininity.

Her distinctive palette masterfully blends sweet notes with nocturnal atmospheres, creating a sensory experience where evocative scents, flavors, silences, and whispers seem almost tangible. By immersing the viewer’s gaze in a deep sensory experience through a strong contrast between the soft textures of flowers, the coldness of meat, and the viscosity of jam, this artist evokes an almost visceral response in the viewer. It is precisely Tsumura's ability to depict these textures with such realism that engages the senses of touch and smell, transforming the visual experience of her works into a multidimensional journey.

The intimate domestic scenes suggest a story beyond the visible, inviting us to imagine what might be happening beyond the space of the canvas. The nature of memory—fragmented, emotional—emerges from perceptions rather than reality and precise details.

Tsumura's work is deeply influenced by the traditional themes of Vanitas and Memento mori. However, reflecting the time and place she lives in, Kana celebrates life in her works, often contrasting the symbolism of decay with magical elements incorporated into a mix of meat, fish, and fruit, creating a profound commentary on the cyclical and regenerative nature of existence. It also highlights the reality of contemporary consumerism and the ethical and environmental implications of human habits.

We witness decay and death every day, but if we seek comfort beyond the ordinary - where the past and present converge into an eternal moment- encapsulated in this contemporary allegory of Time, we discover something immensely profound. The fleeting pleasures, ephemeral scents, and transitory joys of taste and freshness can prove to be more enduring, more real than what we often perceive as solid, permanent, and fundamental to our happiness.

Kana Tsumura's solo show promises to be enchanting and unforgettable. The opening vernissage will take place on Thursday, September 26, at the London location at 35 Connaught Street, W2 2AZ, with an exclusive reception for collectors, journalists, and gallery guests.

The exhibition will be open to the public starting Friday, September 27. The preview of the artworks will be revealed to collectors on the waiting list on Friday, September 20 at 4:00 pm (BST). It is recommended to book an appointment to visit the exhibition.

Memory and intimacy are woven into the fabric of my work, but not in obvious ways. It’s less about recalling specific moments and more about capturing the ephemeral—the atmosphere, the fleeting emotions, the mystery that hovers just beyond reach. I use memory as an emotional thread, weaving it into every brushstroke, allowing ambiguity and open spaces for the viewer to fill with their own interpretations. The intimacy in my paintings is subtle and layered, inviting contemplation of what’s not fully revealed—the unseen connections, the quiet tension, the warmth that lingers in private moments, and the unspoken feelings that live between the lines of memory.

(Kana Tsumura)