Erika Sanada: Fighting Spirit

Exhibition Dates: August 15–September 5, 2015

Closing Reception & Book Signing: September 4, 2015 6–9 pm | RSVP

Modern Eden Gallery presents ‘Fighting Spirit’ a solo exhibition of new ceramic sculptures by Erika Sanada. In this new series, Sanada’s work has evolved with more motion and gesture allowing a more dynamic style of storytelling in her most compelling pieces to date.

Exhibition Statement from the Artist: "My sculptural work explores my  anxieties. Early childhood experiences  drove me to doubt my self-esteem, developing  into a state of  worry and distress. To cope with these emotions, my parents gave me a dog and he became a great companion. I use the imagery of dogs in my work to represent the joy in life. However, underlying that happiness, I incorporate odd features into my dogs like extra teeth or ears to symbolize those lingering anxieties. Much like myself, my work is struggling  to find a balance between joy and sorrow."

Erika Sanada was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. Her early inspirations stemmed from creatures and characters of Horror films. In 2009, she received her BA in Communications and Design at Nihon University College of Art in Tokyo. After working as a commercial illustrator and a movie studio makeup artist, Erika moved to San Francisco where she received her MFA in sculpture. Since Sanada’s debut solo show at Modern Eden in 2013, her artwork has been published in Hi-Fructose Magazine, Bl!sss Magazine, and Beautiful Bizarre Magazine (upcoming).

On Saturday August 15, 2015 Modern Eden debuted "Fighting Spirit" as gallery patrons were thrilled to see her dimensional works in person and the artist delighted in her nearly sold-out opening night. The exhibition will be on display through September 5, 2015 and is free and open to the public.