Kinoshita, Suchan (1962)
Tokyo, Japan
works and lives in Maastricht, The Netherlands

1981-85 Studied contemporary music at Cologne Music Academy.
1983-92 Worked as a performer and directed her own pieces at TAM (Theater am Marienplatz).
1988-90 Postgraduate studio program, Jan van Eyck Academy, Maastricht.
1992 Winner of the Prix de Rome.
1994-95 International studio program, PS 1 New York.
1998 Teacher in a Postgraduate program, Jan van Eyck Academy, Maastricht.

In Kinoshita’s artwork, musical and theatrical aspects are mixed with visual and architectural elements. The contact between the public and private aspects of life are often the subjects of her work. In a public space, such as an art gallery or a museum, Suchan Kinoshita shows elements of private and everyday life through the use of sounds, images, actions, words and objects.

The objects used in her artistic quest come from everyday life and are often connected to or representative of the simplest aspects of reality, such as dust balls from a vacuum cleaner bag, used light bulbs, and coffee filters or tea bags. Through these objects, placed in an apparently ordinary context, the public undergoes a sensorial experience while undertaking a physical and mental journey. The public is a witness of something that is happening.

This journey takes place through direct contact, touching, moving and at times actually using the objects displayed, both through observing their ‘actions’ and listening to the sounds. Different sounds and images are produced by moving an object. Often we do not realise the infinite possibilities for observing and using the things around us or the music that can be created by playing with them or listening to the sounds that they produce. This becomes possible in the space in which the artist acts and accomplishes her work. This may involve finding words and texts that evoke certain moments in life. These words are also projected onto simple and common objects such as her PUR foam curtains. There is no separation between the several different forms of art and communication. All can flow in the same space, moment and action. The artistic and expository context in which the performance takes place or the installation is exhibited emphasises the artistic and poetic aspects of these events.