8/ ART GALLERY/ Tomio Koyama Gallery is pleased to present "Rieko Otake, Hideaki Kawashima, Naoki Koide", a group exhibition of three artists represented by Tomio Koyama Gallery from May 30 (Wed) until June 25 (Mon),  the second exhibition to follow the well-received opening exhibition "New Spot Prints" by Damien Hirst.

Rieko Otake produces unpainted carved wood sculptures using motifs of humans and birds. "I am interested in the things that appear deceptively normal", says Rieko Otake, whose work seems to embrace the eternity of humanity beyond individuality. Possessing unwavering strength within flexibility, Otake's work reflects her sincerity toward sculpture as a means of expression.

After two-year Buddhist training with the Tendai School of Buddhism from 1995, Hideaki Kawashima chose to paint as a daily occupation. His portraits which possess a strong androgynous gaze are painted, he says, "with a sense that they are self-portraits". Altering into various forms, these portraits which mirror Kawashima's mind may be a record of an artist sincerely trying to find himself.

Naoki Koide makes paintings and sculptures using FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) and ceramic themed on his own life and family, and the environment around him. Tinged with somber pastel colors, characters with boundless expressions appear intimate yet unsettling as they pervade a tranquil aura. At times, animals such as little hippos, salamanders, frogs and cats also appear as companions in his work.