Exhibition: Tomoaki Suzuki, Towner, Eastbourne, December 11 – February 27 2011

Tomoaki Suzuki creates lifelike sculptures of real people by mixing fashion, youth culture and consumerism with traditional native Japanese woodcarving.

This exhibition, subtitled “street style meets art”, showcases Suzuki’s handcrafted lime wood figures in his debut UK show, comprising statuettes a third of the size of humans size on the gallery floor. Visitors will have to drop to their knees to connect with the figures at eye level, as if they are human toys.

Suzuki’s models reflect the cultural mix he sees outside his studio in Hackney, dressing in the clothes they would normally wear. Each model visited his studio around 15 times for a two-hour sitting, and he photographed them from 360 degrees so that he could continue working in their absence.

Inspired by the style of the time, the artist is interested in trends in Western consumerism, especially footwear and the way trainers evolved symbolically as street wear in the 1990s.

His work focuses on fashion consumerism as he portrays chain stores, disposable fashions, customised trainers and vintage clothing.

“The craftsmanship evident in Suzuki’s sculpture is striking, and the theme of contemporary culture makes his work relevant to us all,” says Matthew Rowe, the Artistic Director of Towner.

“We are excited to be working with such an accomplished young artist whose practice reflects today’s street culture and exemplifies art that is based in the everyday. It has resulted in an exhibition that holds up a mirror to our daily existence.”

Admission free. Open Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am – 5pm.