Iwaenogu is a medium made from mineral pigments. For centuries, it has been used for traditional Japanese paintings and, today, for their contemporary counterparts. As a medium, however, it has not been well recognised outside of Japan, especially in the UK. Its properties are unique: matt, muted, and particulated. The pigments also give a beautiful shimmer when light falls on them.

For this exhibition ‘Strata’, the Japanese artist Junko O’Neill has created artwork, with which she explores the many possibilities that the medium can offer. The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to appreciate and view up close the unique characteristics of the medium and Junko’s delicate brush strokes. It is so entitled by the fact that, in order to achieve desired the colours, the sedimented medium requires numerous layers (‘strata’), often running into the hundreds. As the formation of rocks reflects the passage of time, Junko’s work likewise traps space-time, creating tension that holds an underlying sense of calm.

There will be painting demonstrations (13:00-15:00 daily) as well as displays of pigments and their ore forms such as Azurite and Malachite alongside other painting materials.

Junko O’Neill was born in Tokyo. She received her BA and MA in Fine Art Painting at Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton. Her work was selected for various exhibitions including AMATERAS Annual Paper Art Exhibition (Sofia, 2017), A Sporting Life at Southampton City Art Gallery (2016), The Lichfield Prize Exhibition (2016), and Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize Exhibition (London, 2015). O'Neill was also longlisted for the John Moores Painting Prize (2018) and shortlisted for Kudos International (2013) and the Celeste Prize (2011). She now lives and works in Winchester, Hampshire.

For details on how to visit Burgh House, please visit the official website.

For enquiries, please contact the artist:
info@junkooneill.com or 07733 422892
www.junkooneill.com