Discover the magical world of Mayflies and Stars by Kyoko Imazu at ArtSpace at Realm

While on her daily walk with her dog Hank, artist Kyoko Imazu likes to imagine the stories of our often-overlooked neighbours, like weeds, insects and pebbles that fill our everyday lives.

Insects and other small creatures inhabit her work, creating a universe of their own with their own histories and mythologies.

In her new exhibition, Mayflies and Stars - which will be at ArtSpace at Realm from Saturday 17 April to Sunday 27 June - Kyoko offers a glimpse into the magical hidden worlds of some of our smallest neighbours.

Kyoko Imazu is a Japanese artist based in Melbourne whose practice encompasses a range of mediums including printmaking, papercut, shadow puppetry and bookbinding.

Leading visitors into ArtSpace will be a whimsical display of Kyoko’s magical characters along the Realm windows, while display cabinets on both the ground and level one floors of Realm will be brought to life by Kyoko’s artist books and creative puppet displays.

Kyoko’s imagery draws on animals, insects and imagined beings to tell whimsical stories of exploration and adventure, bringing to life Kyoko’s childhood memories and personal connections to the world these creatures inhabit.

Kyoko says: “I used to look for (and collected) small insects and pebbles when I was a kid and imagine a completely different world or universe that these creatures and things live in. In my art practice and, in particular this project, I guess I’m trying to capture that world.”

“When you look closely, it’s incredible to realise how everything is so different - every petal, leaf and wing is miraculously unique. These beings and objects all have their own stories within themselves, containing many states of life, death and regeneration,” explains Kyoko.

“It’s so easy to not think about small, seemingly insignificant things. On the other hand, if I always stopped and really looked, I’d get so overwhelmed by their wonder,” she adds.

The artist’s books and cut-paper installations are filled with both real animals and legendary creatures from Japanese folklore, adding a layer of fantasy to her otherwise realistic renderings.

Mayflies and Stars is presented as part of the innovative and engaging Ringwood arts precinct program for 2021.

ArtSpace at Realm is located at Ringwood Town Square (opposite Ringwood Station) 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood. Realm is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm and on weekends from 9am to 5pm. Entry is free.

Join us for the opening celebrations of Mayflies and Stars on Thursday 6 May at 6pm at ArtSpace at Realm. Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Kylie Spears will officially launch the exhibition followed by introductory words by artist Kyoko Imazu.

To attend the official opening and for more information about the exhibition, contact the Arts and Cultural Development team on 1300 88 22 33.

Children aged 8 and over are invited to make their own mythical shadow puppets inspired by the magical creatures of Mayflies and Stars. Create enchanting characters which can then be brought to life on the shadow puppet stage in ArtSpace. Parents and guardians are welcome to come along and join in the fun!

Date: Saturday 5 June, 10am to 11.30am, ArtSpace at Realm Tickets: $5 (numbers limited)

Book online

For further information contact our Gallery Attendant via email: [email protected]. gov.au or phone 9298 4553

Kyoko Imazu moved to Australia in 2002 and in the last decade has been included in over 100 exhibitions throughout the Asia-Pacific region and the USA. Her works are held in several public collections across Australia, including the National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia, State Library of Queensland and State Library of Victoria.