Surface Efficiency

YUMI KINOSHITA: Surface Efficiency
Mixed Media Installation

Conversation with the Artist: Friday, March 28, 5:00 pm

The work is a critique of American Neo-Imperialism since 1945 and its consequences in the ideologies through political and economic institutions. She is especially interested in pointing out the discrepancies, gaps and “disconnectedness” that can be observed in our everyday life.

The Fresno Art Museum welcomes the opportunity to show the work of emerging artists and with this exhibition of Yumi Kinoshita's work there is both excitement and great pride in her ongoing accomplishments. Yumi was a member of the Museum's Curatorial Staff, first as an intern, then as the curatorial assistant and finally as the registrar between 1996 though 2004. Most certainly she was one of the Museum's finest and most beloved employees. Since 2003 Yumi has had four solo exhibitions and has been included in seven group exhibitions. Before leaving Fresno, Yumi earned a MA in Business Administration and Finance from California State University Fresno as well as a MA in Art History.

Yumi Kinoshita's most recent work reflects her interest in the discourse of representation within the context of imperialism. She uses an interdisciplinary process through the use of video and mixed media installations, digital media, essay and art education. The exhibition will include a video as well as small square wall panels that comment on the 14 characteristics of Fascism. These are made using an ink-jet print, beeswax and oil paint that are paired with vinyl texts and two plastic figures representing the relationship of the Japanese Kaijyu movie with the Atomic bomb.

The work is a critique of American Neo-Imperialism since 1945 and its consequences in the ideologies through political and economic institutions. She is especially interested in pointing out the discrepancies, gaps and "disconnectedness" that can be observed in our everyday life. Kinoshita uses the complexities associated with our postmodern life and its connection to "cultural product." These include the innovative use of documentary films, Hollywood films, television shows and news media that are of particular interest and serve as specific examples.

In 2006 she was awarded a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Yumi has been awarded many grants and distinctions. Among the most recent are the Non-Senate Faculty Professional Development Grant for 2008 from UCSB and the College of Creative Studies Teaching Award for 2006-2007 also from UCSB. Other awards and grants include the Levitan Fellowship, Department of Art for 2005-2006, the Graduate Travel Grant for 2006, the 2006 Abrams Prize and the Graduate Fee Fellowship for 2004-2006, all from UCSB.