SADAMASA MOTONAGA In the Orange

SADAMASA MOTONAGA - In the Orange      

JAN 2025

The Fridge is pleased to present In the Orange, an exhibition of prints by Sadamasa Motonaga, showcasing a curated selection of his early screenprints.          

The exhibition will remain on view until February 1st, 2025, at 11 East 78th St.          

Motonaga’s prints are a vibrant exploration of form and color, reflecting the artist’s bold mind. Known for his playful and organic shapes, these works capture the essence of the new sensibility Motonaga developed during his 1966 residency at the Japan Society in New York. The prints featured in this exhibition, published by The Gendai Hanga Center between 1977 and 1984, highlight Motonaga’s mastery of color manipulation, and gradient techniques that create a dynamic interplay between soft abstraction and imaginary landscape.

The series exemplifies Motonaga’s fascination with naive shapes and his commitment to reate his own visual vocabulary devoid of precise cultural meaning but rich in playfulness and built from experimentation with acrylic airbrushing. Motonaga’s printed works retain the spontaneity and energy that define his practice. These pieces serve as a bridge between fine art and experimental design, demonstrating his ability to evoke emotion through meticulous curves.        

Abandoning rigid boundaries between art and play, Motonaga’s prints bring a sense of joy and curiosity. His use of vivid colors and whimsical forms draws viewers into a meditative space, inviting them to engage with the works on a sensory level. This exhibition celebrates his ability to balance abstraction with accessibility, offering a glimpse into the artist’s ever-evolving creative spirit.        

Sadamasa Motonaga (1922–2011, Mie, Japan) began his artistic journey in the aftermath of World War II, eventually becoming a key figure in the Gutai Art Association in 1955 being one of the first generation founders. His early works explored unconventional materials and techniques, including performances and site-specific installations. After a pivotal period in New York City in the 1960s, Motonaga embraced new techniques which profoundly influenced his printmaking practice.        

Motonaga’s work is housed in prominent collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Centre Pompidou (Paris), and the National Museum of Modern Art (Tokyo). His legacy continues to influence contemporary abstraction and experimental art including the monumental installation of Motonaga’s plastic tubes filled with color acrylic in the main atrium of The Gugenheim in 2013 for the Gutai Splendid Playground Exhibition which tookl place just a few blocks from here.  

 

THE FRIDGE
11 East 78th Street 4th Floor
New York NY 10075