KAWATO AYA (B. 1988)

Kawato pursues her own grid expression with the theme of "control and deviation". Here, "deviation" refers to the distortion that unavoidably occurs in the meticulous manual process, originating from the dyeing and weaving techniques the artist learned in university. This concept is also linked to the visual and cognitive "deviation" in neuroscience, particularly the illusion effects caused by discrepancies in vision and cognition that she is also interested in. Like weaving a piece of fabric by spinning threads, Kawato meticulously layers countless colored lines that are painted. The grid, including distortions and deviations, evokes a warmth of handwork, unlike the cold and inanimate impression of post-war Op Art (abstract paintings and sculptures that produce strong illusion effects).