With each stitch made meticulously by hand, Junko Oki engraves stories of life onto textiles. Without the guide of an under drawing, the artist free-handedly creates unique motifs and patterns by stitching her fabric, rejecting the structured tradition of embroidery. Although her works display seemingly simple techniques, their instinctive approach awakens a visceral reaction in viewers. Radiating energy, Oki’s sculptures and their room-filling presence extend the boundaries of both textiles and art.

 

Junko Oki was born in Urawa City, Japan in 1963 and is currently based in Kamakura. Oki’s major solo exhibitions include “OKI Junko: The Exposed” (The Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura & Hayama, 2022), “anthology” (Hagi Uragami Museum, 2020), and “Moon and chrysalis” (Shiseido Gallery, 2017). Her works were also featured in the group exhibition “FUJI TEXTILE WEEK” (Fujiyoshida City, 2023), “GO FOR KOGEI 2021” (Nakadera Temple, 2021), and “Nous—sewing and living” (21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, 2016). Her book ‘PUNK’ was published by Bungei Shunju in 2014. Oki’s artworks have been acquired by the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa.