Immersive Art Experience: YAMAN NKYMN‘s “(Atomi:)WHITE2BLACK∈division” Exhibition: A Journey Through Time and Culture
Last Saturday, the Knockturnal team had the privilege of attending a mesmerizing art exhibition by the acclaimed contemporary artist YAMAN NKYMN. This was his first-ever exhibition in New York City, and it was held at the exclusive Mercer Hotel.
The exhibition explored the fascinating concept of information distortion across time, blending the traditional Japanese tea ceremony with the vibrant world of Anime. As guests arrived at The Mercer Hotel, they were transported to a different era by a kimono-clad lady, who led them through a dimly lit corridor to the exhibition room. The serene walk, illuminated only by her lantern, felt like a journey through time.
Upon entering the showroom, we were greeted by YAMAN himself, who personally guided us through the exhibition. For three days prior to our visit, the artist had been performing an immersive tea ceremony experience, complete with traditional tea, kaiseiki, and desserts. This unique event was led by YAMAN and Reijiro Izumi (bloodline of Sen-no-Rikyu), paired with cuisine from Kyoto-based chef Nakahigashi.
On the day of our visit, we witnessed a distinct version of the ceremony, as YAMAN walked us through each station, including the welcoming lounge, tea area, and kaiseiki table. We also had the privilege of seeing rare and valuable artifacts, such as a 16th-century black tea bowl by Do-nyu Raku (valued at $500,000) and two Black Oribe tea bowls (each worth $150,000). Additionally, the exhibition featured Buddhist statues by renowned sculptor Myokei Matsumoto (valued at $70,000) and a reinterpretation of Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s 16th-century Golden Tea House.
YAMAN’s work seamlessly blended Anime and tea culture, creating a unique relational art experience that allowed each viewer to interpret the exhibition based on their own cultural context. By pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms, YAMAN has created a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience that will leave a lasting impact on all who witness it.
