MEDEL GALLERY SHU is pleased to present “RUKA,” a two-person exhibition by Yuki Murata and Shuntaro Yoshino, from August 2nd to 14th.

This exhibition is inspired by the final work, “RUKA,” by Jiří Trnka, a renowned Czech puppet animator, doll maker, and illustrator. It is also a collaboration between two creators who share a common interest in the conditions and supports necessary for the establishment of sculpture. We are very excited to see how their works will dominate the space.

The “hand” has enriched human intellectual production through its precise dexterity and acute tactile sense. Its contribution to the plastic arts is particularly significant, and thus creators have often sanctified the “hand,” symbolizing it as an independent motif representing creation. On the flip side, the absolute control wielded by the hand over objects often metaphorically represents the unavoidable coercion by overwhelming power.

Puppet animation—a technique where static dolls are gradually moved and frame-by-frame photography is used to make them appear to move autonomously—epitomizes this enduring expression of the “hand.” The puppets, as “performers,” are entirely subject to the complete control of the creators’ every movement.

In Jiří Trnka’s final work, “RUKA” (1965), the unmistakable presence of the “hand” itself appears. The storyline, where the “hand”—an allegory for irrational political pressure—manipulates an artist to a tragic end, vividly reflects the societal conditions surrounding creators at that time. This critique remains relevant today. Notably, the “hand,” which should operate behind the scenes, stands alongside the puppets as a “performer.” The viewer’s experience of confusion in distinguishing between the controller and the controlled offers a perspective that overturns even the relationship between the work and the artist.

Yuki Murata and Shuntaro Yoshino have referenced modern sculpture in their work, focusing on the requirements and supports necessary for establishing sculpture. Their recent works, featuring the motif of the “hand”—which may also include the inevitable naive admiration of being a plastic artist—have resonated with each other. This time, they have joined hands to create an exhibition themed around “RUKA.” Please enjoy viewing the exhibition.

Written by: Yuki Murata and Shuntaro Yoshino

This exhibition was planned with the cooperation of art collector and art watcher Motoharu Iijima. Following the success of our May exhibition, we believe this exhibition will also be well-received.