Aki Shiroza @ Damien B. Contemporary Art Center

Bio

Born on July 23, 1980, in Tokyo, Japan. Graduated from University of Miami, with BS in marine biology.
August 1999 to May 2004: BS in Marine Biology, minor in chemistry and sculpture from University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146

"... looking for a way out of this world..."
5'37"
digital video
2004 ed.of 5

"... now I understand... there is none..."
2'40"
digital video
2004 ed. of 5

"... came here to finish it..."
6'31"
digital video

2004 ed. of 5

Statement

“If I still had faith in numbers, I would have become a physicist; to simplify the complex phenomena in this world into equations and to better understand what “life” is about in this digital era. …Through my work, I present the spirit and beauty in familiar mundane objects to the eyes and minds that are often focused on the surface and the bitterness of this materialized world. Often encompassed within the works are hints of inconspicuous narratives that spur the spirit within the object. For example, in center of the universe, video mediated within a mass-produced beer bottle expresses the bottle’s spirit, much like how the trained eyes would see at a tea ceremony from a one-of-a-kind, traditional Japanese tea bowl fabricated by a master ceramist. By interacting with familiar objects from a nonconventional perspective, it frees our mind to observe what we otherwise would not see. I lead the viewers to experience the multiplexity of the material we surround ourselves with and the world we live in – to accept, enjoy, and appreciate. After all, life/art is what we make of it.” Aki Shiroza

"... that kinda guy..."
2'11"
digital video projected
in a bottle of beer
music by Apollo 440
2004 ed.of 5

"parallel"
1’45”
digital video projected
on an aquarium
2004 ed. of 5

Selected Exhibitions

2006	Optic Nerve VIII* Juror: Natalia Benedetti, Claire Breukel, and Harlan Erskine	Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, FL
2006	The State of Reeve Schumacher vs. Florida*	Damien B. Contemporary Art Center, Miami, FL
2004	Annual Student Art Show Juror: Ken Rollins	Lowe Art Museum, Coral Gables, FL
2003	Annual Student Art Show Juror: Elizabeth Hall and Robert Huff	Lowe Art Museum, Coral Gables, FL
2002	Annual Student Art Show Juror: Jill Cannady	Lowe Art Museum, Coral Gables, FL
2000	Annual Student Art Show Juror: Ginger Gregg Duggan	Lowe Art Museum, Coral Gables, FL

* as Studio El Condor