The Bishop Gallery is thrilled to announce its upcoming exhibition “Red Rock”, featuring two iconic Japanese artists: Ken Hiratsuka (Ken Rock) and Ken Hamazaki (Ken Red). Opening November 16, 2024, and running through January 25, 2025, “Red Rock" is curated by Carlo McCormick and offers a unique exploration of contemporary Japanese art, blending tradition and modernity through the distinct practices of these two long-time collaborators.

Ken Hiratsuka, known as Ken Rock, will showcase his renowned life-sized stone sculptures alongside intricate drawings and photography. Internationally acclaimed for his mastery of stone carving, Hiratsuka’s work is defined by a single continuous line, which he uses to etch mesmerizing patterns into stone. His art bridges the ancient and modern, creating a deep connection to nature that reflects both the timelessness and fragility of the natural world. Rooted in the graffiti and street art movement of 1980s New York, Hiratsuka was a pivotal figure in the East Village art scene and exhibited alongside legends like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Richard Hambleton. His public sculptures still remain on the streets of New York City, a testament to his lasting impact on urban art. Over time, his practice has evolved to include large, often monumental size works more integrated with nature, often carved in situ with the collaboration of the local culture, reflecting his desire that his art crosses the boundaries of language and nations.

Ken Hamazaki, known as Ken Red, is a conceptual artist celebrated for his avant-garde performances and his iconic “Red Tea Ceremony” installations. This signature piece includes traditional Japanese elements, such as a Tatami mat and a vivid red umbrella, blended with bold, modern aesthetics. Hamazaki’s performances have been held globally, from New York to Paris to Israel, and he has been a featured artist at Burning Man, the world’s largest outdoor curated art festival. His *Red Tea Ceremony* reimagines the centuries-old practice, inviting participants to engage with the work and reflect on the tension between tradition and modernity, East and West, and individual versus collective experience. Ken Red’s work blends playfulness and experimentation with thought-provoking depth, challenging viewers to see tradition through a new, innovative lens.

“Red Rock” not only highlights the artistic heritage of Japan but also exemplifies how two artists have merged their cultural roots with contemporary practices. The exhibition will mark the first time Ken Rock and Ken Red, friends and collaborators for decades, will exhibit together. Their shared background and mutual respect as artists underscore a unique cultural dialogue that resonates through their work.

The Bishop Gallery is proud to present *Red Rock*, which reflects the gallery's ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse, global voices in contemporary art. By fostering cultural exchange and bridging artistic communities from Brooklyn to Osaka, the exhibition encapsulates the gallery's mission of promoting cross-cultural dialogue and presenting thought-provoking art that engages both locally and internationally.