Episode 97: Chiharu Shiota: Drawing in Space

Using  place as her canvas, Japanese contemporary artist Chiharu Shiota creates a new visual plane in her monumental installations.  She suspends networks of media, from used everyday objects to her signature red and black threads strung across entire spaces, tying individual narratives together. It is as if she is painting in midair. Come, journey with me into her universes of bellowing and dripping colors and lines.

“Keys in Hand,” 2015 Image Credit: Chiharu Shiota website
“Dialogue with Absence,” 2010 Image Credit: Chiharu Shiota website

Also highlighted in this episode: “Two Fridas,” by painter Frida Kahlo

“Two Fridas,” 1939 Image Credit: Frida Kahlo website
The artist with her iconic work, “Two Fridas.” Image credit: Frida Kahlo website
“Memory of Skin,” 2001 Image Credit: Chiharu Shiota website

If you are curious to explore other female installation artists, please check out episode 69, Liza Lou and her iconic work, “Kitchen.”

Resources for this episode include Chiharu Shiota website, writings of Robert Atkins, Wes Kelly, Skye Sherwin, Kate Sierzputowski, Peter Corboy and the interview series Brilliant Ideas.