Upper Playground in Association with FIFTY 24SEA Gallery present the Opening Reception of: "ANACHRONISMS" by Jonathan Wakuda Fischer

Jonathan is fascinated with the role technology plays in the creation of art, as well as its obsolescence in the wake of human progress. This relationship between art and its process is well illustrated by the history of traditional Japanese woodblock; the printing technology integral to the popular rise of Ukiyo-e also contributed to its downfall. Coming from the cultures of both East and West, his life has revolved around the possibilities of creating something new from different origins. As such, he found the woodblock art form thematically appropriate to pair with the aesthetic of similarly outdated 20th century culture. By combining antiquity with technology and past with (near) present, he creates a new context for the art that is seemingly transcendent of history. "Anachronisms" Japanese woodblock printing was concerned with the nature of image duplication, and his choice of a modern technique is based on similar strengths and limitations. Using a stencil means working within a defined space, but different applications of spray painting within the template allow for wildly different interpretations of the same image, and ‘play’ in the grey area between uniformity and singularity. Exploring a painting through its variations helps me address the nature of individuality within a system and the concept of originality amid repetition. To be included on the preview list please contact upperplaygroundjen@gmail.com. Opening Reception will be held for "Anachronisms" on January 9th from 6:00 - 9:30pm. Beverages will be provided as well as music from The Ken.