20 January 2025/

DR. LARISSA NOURY’S EXHIBITION AT VENT GALLERY IN TOKYO’S GINZA DISTRICT

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”- Japanese traditional citation

The esteemed gallery “VENT” invited the distinguished visual artist, colorist and, PhD in Art, Design & Architecture, Dr. Larissa Noury from Paris, for an exhibition in Tokyo. This prestigious gallery, soon celebrating its 25th anniversary, is located in the heart of Tokyo’s elegant and fashionable Ginza district.

Ginza (銀座) is Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district. It boasts numerous boutiques, art galleries, nightclubs, cafes and most expensive real estate areas in Japan.

From 1612 to 1800, today’s Ginza district was the site of a silver coin mint, which is reflected in its name—Ginza means “silver mint” in Japanese. This historical significance adds to the charm and allure of the district, making it a fitting location for Dr. Noury’s exhibition.

Eminent artist Dr. Larissa Noury unveiled a vibrant collection in her New Impressionistic style.

Her work features oil paintings, mixed media and natural pigments on canvas and traditional Japanese paper, Washi. Washi (和紙) is handcrafted from the inner bark of the gampi tree, mitsumata shrub, or paper mulberry (kōzo) bush. It is tougher than ordinary paper and used in many traditional arts.

Dr. Larissa Noury also showcased painted textiles, silk, organza and hand-painted dresses. Among them were a kimono with calligraphy of love poems, and the “Royal Lily” and “Golden Sun” dresses.

The local public was in for a delightful surprise with performances they had never seen before—“alive paintings.” Accompanying the exhibition were videos that provided additional information about the artist, her new pictorial technique and past exhibitions.

“Five-dimensional tactile colors will become the colors of the future. Everything is based on their multidimensional character. First, we discover the relief and texture of the materials used in the painting. Tactile color on two-dimensional surfaces turns the images into 3D. They represent harmonies created by the architecture of superimposed layers of chromatic materials on different supports. The fourth dimension is the temporal dimension. It takes time for spectators to change viewing angles and perceptual distances. The results of this perception, which is both dynamic and effective over time, vary depending on the age and general culture of the person watching. The fifth dimension is transparency for tactile colors on certain supports of particular quality. The brightness of rays crossing the surface highlights both the 3D colors and the complexity of sensitive details not perceptible with only front lighting,” renowned artist Dr. Larissa Noury shared her vision.

“Its multidimensional tactile colors create landscapes beyond the visible, transmitting nature’s energies and harmonies, inviting us to explore the visible and invisible world,” she added.

Visitors were captivated by the exhibition, leaving heartfelt messages in the Guest Book praising the enchanting colors, artistic talent and the beautiful blend of French Impressionism and Japanese tradition.

Curator Mme Reibibbri Yamakawa expressed her admiration for the event, noting the unending energy of the artist Dr. Larissa Noury:  

”My impression of this event is that the source of energy of the painter Larissa never stops. Her tactile paintings and her performances are very new, even for experienced Japanese public. We received a lot of visitors, but we would like to say a special thanks to Sir Haruki Morokawa, professor emeritus of Tama University of Art in Japan, author of numerous books on art and art history specialist, for coming and speaking excellent French with prof. Larissa about her painting and book “Symbolic of Colour.”

Gallery director Sir Hiroshi Inoue shared his delight in discovering Dr. Larissa Noury’s original art:  “We were very happy to discover the original art of French artist Larissa Noury. Gallery « Vent » as previously announced was holding a personal exhibition by colorist, painter, stylist and author of books on colour Larissa Noury beginning from December 20, 2024. The artist herself was also there to explain her new art technique. We were pleased to enjoy her unique five dimensional colours and images. She also did a performance of her painted dresses and presented calligraphic kimonos.” 

Sir Hiroshi Inoue expressed hope for future collaborations and another exhibition with Larissa Noury again.

A TIMELESS CULTURAL BOND

France and Japan have shared a strong and progressive relationship for centuries, built on strategic efforts and cultural exchanges. The influence of Japanese art on French artists became evident in the late 19th century with the rise of Impressionism, an artistic movement known as “Japonism.”

For over 150 years, since Japan opened up to the world in the mid-19th century, France and Japan have forged a close and significant shared history, particularly through cultural exchanges. In the realm of art, the ties between the two countries are deep, with mutual influence and inspiration.

The exhibition serves as a reminder that the mutual attraction between France and Japan in the cultural field remains vibrant and enduring.