Into The Looking Glass 1-2, egg tempera on linen, 9.25 x 12 x 1.75", 2003
Into The Looking Glass 1-3, egg tempera on linen, 9.25 x 12 x 1.75", 2003
Into The Looking Glass 2-2, egg tempera on linen, 9.25 x 12 x 1.75", 2003
Into The Looking Glass 2-3, egg tempera on linen, 9.25 x 12 x 1.75", 2003
Into The Looking Glass 5, egg tempera on linen, 9.25 x 16.5 x 1.75", 2004
Kenji Kojima’s series of egg tempera paintings entitled “Into the Looking Glass” features a schematic cube in stages as it disappears into its reflection. The subject was inspired by Jean Cocteau’s Orpheus, based on Greek mythology, in which Hades was the world within the looking glass. The myth resonated with the artist, as the looking glass could be applied to today’s digitized world, moving into virtual reality. Initially created as a digital project which is preserved as a clone by Rhizome.org at the New Museum of Contemporary Art, the artist wanted to explore the materiality of the subject. In high contrast to computer graphics, Kojima began to paint the series in the medieval medium of egg tempera.
The technique of egg tempera employs egg yolk for the binding material of pigments on a gessoed ground. Kojima comments, “The preparations are ceremonial for an egg tempera artist. Meticulous steps prepare the artist’s mind for starting the painting.” Several days are required to complete preparations of the painting surface. In the images, Kojima creates wonderful textural gestures which imply the motion of the cube through the looking glass. The surface texture also serves to emphasize the smoothness of the white cube.
Kenji Kojima has studied medieval painting techniques in Tokyo, Japan. He also has extensive experience in graphic design and digital arts.
