Joy BC and Olivia Rose Explore Intimacy in 'Lovers Eye' Exhibition
On view through May 17 at THE SHOPHOUSE in Kyoto.
In a recent exhibition titled ‘Lovers Eye’ at THE SHOPHOUSE, British artist Joy BC and photographer Olivia Rose unveiled a captivating exploration of the eye’s significance in art and emotion.
Inspired by an 18th-century trend of exchanging eye miniatures as tokens of affection, the duo’s multimedia works offer a contemporary take on this historical practice. Their pieces, which include wearable art and photographic prints, delve into the intimate connection between the eye and creative expression. “Eye miniatures were a curious but brief anomaly in miniature painting – an extremely intense manifestation of an already emotionally charged art. This apparently was an attempt to capture ‘the window of the soul’, the supposed reflection of a person’s most intimate thoughts and feelings,” said the gallery in a statement.
Through innovative use of materials and a focus on the female perspective, they challenge traditional notions of photography and invite viewers to reconsider their perception of public and private realms. ‘Lovers Eye’ is open to the public until May 12, 2024.
THE SHOPHOUSE, Kyoto
6-5 Shishigatani Sakuradanicho
Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8423
Japan
