Junko O'Neill: MONYOU

Junko O'Neill: MONYOU

An exhibition of contemporary abstract paintings inspired by traditional Japanese patterns

Burgh House

New End Square, London NW3 1LT

11–29 October 2023

Exhibition opening hours: Wed, Thu, Fri & Sun, 10am–4pm

Painting demonstrations: Sun 15 October & Thu 19 October, 12–3pm

'Monyou' (pronounced 'mon yoh') is the name given to traditional Japanese patterns and pictorial symbols, which are used to decorate woven and dyed fabrics as well as craft objects. Some of them are considered to be auspicious symbols and are used often in repeated patterns.

This exhibition by the Japanese artist Junko O'Neill showcases her latest work including paintings that incorporate these traditional patterns of 'Monyou'. O'Neill, however, incorporates them merely as composition tools, moving away from the hidden meanings of each symbol and not using them in their literal sense.

With the common thread within her work being 'Ma', a Japanese spacial/temporal concept, O'Neill created a body of contemporary abstract paintings using 'Iwaenogu'(lit 'rock paints'), traditional Japanese paints made from particles of pulverised minerals and glass. There will be painting demonstrations as well as displays of the materials she uses.