NANZUKA is pleased to present “See-Through,” a solo exhibition of new works by Stickymonger at NANZUKA UNDERGROUND. This marks the artist’s second solo showing at NANZUKA following “D.D.D,” held in 2023 at NANZUKA 2G and 3110NZ (now Sushi Saito Hanare NANZUKA), and serves as the artist’s first solo exhibition in the main gallery.
Stickymonger explores the depth of human emotion through her work by effortlessly blending together contrasting elements such as reality and imagination, innocence and horror, while drawing influence from the Surrealist movement, films from the late 1970s to the 1990s, and Japanese manga and anime. In terms of technique, the artist works primarily with spray paint — a medium traditionally associated with street art and graffiti — while exploring its potential as a contemporary fine art medium. Rather than merely filling surfaces, she creates unpredictable lines, splatters, and textures by manipulating pressure and blending water- and solvent-based spray paints.
Drawing inspiration from master painters, including the layered techniques of Renaissance oil painting and the surface-scraping methods of Gerhard Richter, she describes this experimental approach as “Spray Painterly.” The term reflects her unique method of applying spray paint, bringing depth, complexity, and a painterly sensibility to her work. This exhibition presents 21 new spray paintings based on the theme “See-Through,” delicately depicting moments where humor and introspection intersect through the coalescence of everyday objects and surreal scenes.
The word “See-Through” harbors a mysterious meaning that serves to stimulate Stickymonger’s imagination.
