About "Yakushima" at The Gallery by Odo

THE GALLERY BY ODO PRESS RELEASE:

THE GALLERY by odo is delighted to announce the exhibition YAKUSHIMA, showcasing a collection of photographs, paintings and helio engravings by the artist Antoine Wagner. The show will be available for public viewing at 17 W 20th street, from May 20th to September 14 2025. 

Antoine Wagner's exhibition is inspired by the Japanese Island of Yakushima, home of some of the world’s oldest trees and largest subterranean network. 

The large scale single edition photographs printed on Kozo white paper using mulberry tree fibers from the Tokushima region are abstract photographs which reveal a rich natural texture as well as anthropomorphic shapes and what seems to be a series of timeless living fossils. 

Alongside the photographs are Wagner’s paintings inspired by this experience on the island. The compositions don't merely unveil landscapes; they subtly hint at the ambiance of forests and the intricate tapestry woven by nature. Each piece exudes a remarkable meditative quality and a powerful, almost tangible energy. This is evident in the textured elements of his work, from the way he captures the essence of a landscape to the meticulous stained lines he employs. In this series, Wagner uses acrylics, sand, earth and ashes directly onto canvases. The outcome is a series of forms that possess a fossilized quality, as though they are inherently woven into the very fabric of the artwork. 

This exhibition will be presented across three distinct businesses: THE GALLERY by odo, a hybrid space combining fine dining and contemporary art; odo, a two Michelin-starred Japanese kaiseki restaurant; and odo Lounge, an intimate bar specializing in Japanese spirits and small plates. All three are located within the same building and are led by Chef Hiroki Odo. Wagner’s artworks will be thoughtfully installed throughout these spaces, allowing guests at each venue to experience his work through a unique and immersive lens. 

Hiroki Odo, the owner-chef and curator of this exhibition, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “There’s a beautiful harmony between the mystical, organic nature of Yakushima and the deeply human qualities in Wagner’s work and his personality. His perspective on Yakushima resonates with how I feel about my own approach to cooking—it’s intuitive, rooted in nature, and deeply personal.” 

Wagner's artistic vision is defined by a profound emphasis on silence, tranquility, and strength. His paintings suggest anthropomorphic motifs, featuring elements that span from the human form to the organic world—roots, foliage, trees, mountains, and waterways—all cleverly concealed within the textured colors of his creations. 

Accompanying these artworks are a limited edition of 3 helio engravings representing the shapes found on the surface of the mystical island as well drawn from tree barks as from water surfaces. 

In response to the artwork, landscape artist Kan ASAKURA has created a beautiful floral arrangement to make this multidisciplinary experience complete, awakening all the senses. 

During the exhibition, THE GALLERY by odo will offer a special, heartwarming menu crafted by Chef Odo—an homage to the lush, vibrant spirit of Yakushima, rich with greenery and life.