José Parlá Unveils Large-Scale Calligraphic Paintings for Upcoming Tokyo Show

Sprawling gestural works that evoke dilapidated building walls.

Art
263 1   Comments
Prefer Hypebeast on Google
Save

Following his solo exhibition at The Bronx Museum of Arts this past February, José Parlá will soon launch his third solo exhibition with Yuka Tsuruno Gallery in Tokyo, Japan. Titled “The Awakening,” the acclaimed Brooklyn-based Cuban artist unveils a selection of new calligraphic paintings created amid COVID-19.

Parla’s abstract paintings and hand-painted collages feature a slew of unruly gestural markings gleaned from his graffiti background. The artist’s largely focuses on movement that is channeled through his rapidly-done markings across his dynamic compositions. Oftentimes, his pieces resemble dilapidated building walls that focus on notions of time, displacement and memories.

“José Parlá’s works have embraced within them the histories, memories, and experiences that Parlá himself lives through in his multicultural surroundings, including dissonance arising from identity politics and immigration issues,” said the gallery in a statement.

“The Awakening” will run through September 5 through December 19 at Yuka Tsuruno Gallery.

Elsewhere in art, take a look at Lily Stockman’s abstract paintings that reflect life during quarantine.

Yuka Tsuruno Gallery
1-33-10-3F Higashi-Shinagawa
Shinagawa-ku Tokyo
Japan

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article
Keith Estiler Managing Editor, Hypeart

Keith Estiler is a New York-born curator, writer, and the Managing Editor of Hypeart, the contemporary art arm of Hypebeast. Based in NYC, Keith heads up editorial strategy at the intersection of contemporary art and culture, capturing the icons and outliers of both the local and international scenes. He has curated exhibitions worldwide, dedicated to championing the emerging voices and subcultures currently redefining contemporary visual culture.

What to Read Next

Deana Lawson Links With Gagosian for Inaugural New York Solo Exhibition
Art

Deana Lawson Links With Gagosian for Inaugural New York Solo Exhibition

Opening on September 10, the landmark Chelsea showcase debuts new mirror-framed photographic series, glass holograms, and signature large-scale portraits.

Welcome to Maurizio Cattelan’s “Church” of Failure
Art

Welcome to Maurizio Cattelan’s “Church” of Failure

From human ashes to overworked animals, ‘Night’ is now on view at Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie.

Apple Unveils ‘What Holds Us’ Photography Exhibition, Shot on iPhone 18 Pro
Art

Apple Unveils ‘What Holds Us’ Photography Exhibition, Shot on iPhone 18 Pro

Featuring work by Jack Davison, Alex Prager, and Jimmy Chin.


Enter Martin Margiela's Liminal Labyrinth at Konrad Fischer Galerie
Art

Enter Martin Margiela's Liminal Labyrinth at Konrad Fischer Galerie

An intimate staging of sculptures, paintings, and assemblages for his first Berlin show, on view until December 19.

'Call of Duty' Cheat Maker Removes 'Warzone' Hacks After Legal Threat From Activision
Gaming

'Call of Duty' Cheat Maker Removes 'Warzone' Hacks After Legal Threat From Activision

The site apologies “for any pain we’ve caused to players of Call of Duty.”

Leica Launches Second Annual Contest to Honor Women in Photography
Art

Leica Launches Second Annual Contest to Honor Women in Photography

Three photographers will get $10,000 USD to support a project expressed through the female perspective.

YG and Day Sulan Deliver New "Equinox" Music Video
Music

YG and Day Sulan Deliver New "Equinox" Music Video

YG’s upcoming album ‘My Life 4HUNNID’ is on the way.

First Look at TITAN and Jordan Brand's Upcoming Air Jordan 23 Collaboration
Footwear

First Look at TITAN and Jordan Brand's Upcoming Air Jordan 23 Collaboration

The Manilla-based basketball boutique has added electric flair to its first-ever Jordan Brand collab.

MISTERGENTLEMAN's Spiraling Pikachu Graphic Kicks Off STUDIOUS' Renewal Campaign
Fashion

MISTERGENTLEMAN's Spiraling Pikachu Graphic Kicks Off STUDIOUS' Renewal Campaign

Accompanied by exclusives from N.HOOLYWOOD, Ground Y and more.

Nike Dunk High "Varsity Maize" to Return This Holiday Season
Footwear

Nike Dunk High "Varsity Maize" to Return This Holiday Season

A rehash of a seminal “Be True to Your School” colorway.


JPEGMAFIA Releases Another Surprise Visual With "LAST DANCE!"
Music

JPEGMAFIA Releases Another Surprise Visual With "LAST DANCE!"

“These folks cloak themselves in our trauma and try to tell us how to react.”

Walker Warner Architects' Makani’ Eka "Village" Updates Traditional Hawaiian Dwellings
Design

Walker Warner Architects' Makani’ Eka "Village" Updates Traditional Hawaiian Dwellings

Four clustered structures overlook the ocean.

Lily Stockman's Abstract Paintings Reflect Life During Quarantine
Art

Lily Stockman's Abstract Paintings Reflect Life During Quarantine

A year that has become “everything, all at once.”

Listen to BbyMutha's New Album "Muthaland"
Music

Listen to BbyMutha's New Album "Muthaland"

The Chattanooga rapper announced this is her final project.

The Teaser for Netflix's 'Hill House' Sequel 'The Haunting of Bly Manor' Showcase a New Cursed Mansion
Entertainment

The Teaser for Netflix's 'Hill House' Sequel 'The Haunting of Bly Manor' Showcase a New Cursed Mansion

Just in time for Halloween.

Studio Visits: Christto & Andrew
Art

Studio Visits: Christto & Andrew

Presented by Squarespace
The Qatar-based artist duo’s surreal images challenge social norms.

More ▾