The Jewelry Library presents Invisible Thread: Japanese Poetry and Contemporary Jewelry

The Jewelry Library
1239 Broadway (between 30-31st)
Suite 801

INVISIBLE THREAD is an exhibition of works by three artists––Mari Ishikawa, Mikiko Minewaki, and Sayumi Yokouchi––based on Senryu, a form of Japanese poetry. Senryu was derived from Haiku, through colloquial expressions among the ordinary citizens and working-class people of Japan.

Both Haiku and Senryu are composed in 5.7.5, a classic format in Japanese literature. Senryu often interplays everyday life with a worldview that captures the “now” in which we live. In Japan, time and space are perceived together and connected by a method of expression known as “ma”. Ma is the elusive spacing between objects and elements. It activates presence and shapes the way we perceive and interact with things. Ma is recognized in a variety of aspects throughout Japanese arts and culture.

Contemporary jewelry also has a worldview that expresses “nowness” through concept, material, and execution, often using traditional craft techniques through a modern lens. In collaboration with Rui Minewaki’s timeless poetic vision, Ishikawa, Minewaki, and Yokouchi explore human nature and the complexity of everyday life in this exhibition, connecting us through invisible threads.

Join us for an opening reception and gallery talk with Sayumi Yokouchi on November 13th at 11:00am to explore the connection between the language of poetry and the language of jewelry. All works in the exhibition will be available for purchase.