Koji Ryui's Spiritual Materialism Explored in ArtReview Asia Feature

Koji Ryui focuses on honoring traditional values rather than chasing digital trends. He moved from Kyoto to Sydney in 1992, diving deep into Japanese rituals, Shinto beliefs, and animism. These influences are evident in his work, where objects take on a spiritual essence beyond their mere appearance. His A-Un series, created between 2016 and 2017, features pairs of clay heads on found blocks, highlighting one figure with an open mouth (A) and another with a closed mouth (Un). These sculptures are inspired by Ancient Greek art and various narratives, blending the spiritual with the physical. Recently, Ryui showcased his art at the 21st Biennale of Sydney, curated by Mami Kataoka, and is represented by Sarah Cottier Gallery. This summary is from the Summer 2018 edition of ArtReview Asia, written by curator Micheal Do.