Chiho Harazaki’s life-like graphite portraits at LAUNCH LA picture female subjects whose faces are rendered in delicate detail. Their bodies however are tattooed with repetitive geometric patterns which the artist meticulously applies to her figures using washi tape.
Several of these figures appear to be holding yarn — a detail that illuminates the specific patterning that the artist encases her figures in — a Japanese method of embroidery called shishiko. In one nearly lifesize work, “Ingrained - Sashiko Boro,” a figure is covered with an array of patchworked patterns, some collaged onto the drawing with washi paper. The work’s title points to another Japanese stitching technique called boro, which has historically been used to mend garments, reinforcing them to add warmth and extend their life. In this way, Harazaki speaks to her own cultural experience as a Japanese immigrant — a unique patchworked blend of Eastern and Western cultures.
On view: June 29th–July 20th, 2024
_kcrw.jpg?upscale=true&width=1200&upscale=true&name=11.-Ingrained-%E2%80%93-Sashiko-(Kaki-no-ha)_kcrw.jpg "Image courtesy of Launch LA")