Fairies

I'm going to have to check into art rehab with Veronica. The recent rate of acquisitions is getting ridiculous. I can't help myself. I see amazing art and I must have it.

Once again, this image of Hiroshi Kobayashi's work called Fairies does no justice to the painting itself. The little fairy figures pop out of the painting almost like they were collaged.

UPDATE:
Jessica Dawson wrote a blurb about Kobayashi's show at mu project in her arts roundup yesterday. She selected Fairies to accompany the article. Good choice!

Toying With Perception
By Jessica Dawson
Special to the Washington Post
Friday, November 9, 2007; Page C02


Hiroshi Kobayashi's canvases depict plush animals and dolls come to life -- or is it death? In some works the animals inhabit a nowhere land described by a monochromatic background; the space appears so lifeless that it could be stuffed-animal heaven. Other pictures by the Japanese-born artist hint at architecture or landscape, adding a narrative element that sends the monkeys and lions on a mission -- though where they're headed isn't clear. The most interesting of Kobayashi's animals suggest an inner life and motivations as opaque as our own: A teddy staring off into the distance could be contemplating his own mortality. So much for childhood innocence.

Hiroshi Kobayashi at Mu Project, 1521 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., through Dec. 14; 202-333-4119. www.muproject.com.