Kumi Hirose :
The Kumi Univers
June 30 – July 25, 2023
Opening Reception: June 30, 6-8 pm
37-39 Clinton St., New York, 10002
Space 776 is excited to present The Kumi Universe – a solo exhibition of a diverse range of vibrant mixed media works by Japanese-born Brooklyn-based artist Kumi Hirose.
Hirose found her artistic passion through tracing Manga since childhood. After attending Joshibi University of Art and Design in Tokyo, Kumi ventured to America, settling in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, New York. The Kumi Universe is a fusion of Japanese manga aesthetics and the dynamic energy of NYC graffiti connecting Eastern and Western cultures, and turning it into a sanctuary where vibrant colors and expressive imagery offer solace and inspiration amid the chaos.
This exhibition invites viewers on a thrilling journey through the surging energy of The Kumi Universe, igniting passion and celebrating the beauty of individuality with its psychedelic vibes and graffiti influences. Each artwork serves as a distinct manifestation of the artist’s unwavering devotion, urging spectators to embrace their unique selves and revel in the intricate tapestry of human existence:
“The surging energy of a big city.
Young people fly into a passion !!
Children, cry out !!
Old man, good luck !!
I am me.
No more, no less.
We are different human beings with our own individuality.
You too.
Even my works of art are the same.
It is my way to express my passion.” -Kumi Hirose
Kumi Hirose, born in 1986 in Tokushima, Japan, attained her Bachelor’s degree in 2008, alongside the prestigious valedictorian prize, followed by her Master’s degree in painting and printmaking from Joshibi University of Art and Design in 2010. In 2022, she further honed her artistic skills at The Art Students League of New York. Her art has graced national and international galleries, including notable showcases at Greenpoint Gallery in Brooklyn, NY, the International Center of CCCS in New York, NY, and the Colorida Art Gallery in Lisbon, Portugal. In 2021, Hirose was awarded the prestigious Achievement Award by Paulina Pobocha, curator of MoMA, “America The Beautiful: The Real & The Imagined” at WAH Center in Brooklyn, NY. Presently, she resides and diligently creates her art in the vibrant enclave of Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY.