Akihiro HIGUCHI (*1966 in Tokyo) draws filigree patterns on insect specimens, dresses animal models with hand-knitted sweaters in his "Taxidermy Series," and "repairs" free-spiritedly broken Buddha statues, breathing new life into them in the process. Higuchi primarily explores the ambivalent relationship between humans and animals and our excessive love for animals, expressing it with humor and irony. Recently, the artist has begun creating wood carvings with dynamic poses reminiscent of Greek sculptures. In his upcoming solo exhibition, "Old Rose. Girl's Manga Sculpture," the artist's signature traditional craftsmanship meets 1970s Japanese pop nostalgia. With his finely handcrafted sculptures, Higuchi makes direct reference to iconic characters of the so-called girl's comics (shōjo manga) of the time. For Higuchi, they are an expression of his youth and the feelings associated with it. "Although I'm already over 50 years old," the artist notes, "the memories of my childhood are still very clear. He when I look in the mirror, I notice that I have grown old." With his new works, the artist now seeks to remind viewers of those childlike, naïve longings and world views of his own childhood.

The artist will be present at the opening.