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Kumikaho Oshima
Metropolis Mirage
2020

Name: Metropolis Mirage
Brand: Kumikaho Oshima
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

$7,007.17

£5,250.64

€6,300VAT Included

CA$9,847.02

A$10,080.59

CHF 5,714.91

MX$122,310.83

NOK 67,351.88

SEK 67,727.93

DKK 45,747.44

About the Item

Metropolis Mirage is a circular wall-mounted sculpture by Kumikaho Oshima from the series Dollar Dreams in Neon Barbie World, where the artist constructs a dense three-dimensional collage of dollar bills interwoven with fragmented Barbie elements, notably sculpted legs emerging from the monetary surface. Encased in plexiglass and illuminated by vivid orange LED light, the work immediately evokes the rhythm of an urban environment in perpetual motion. The circular format eliminates a fixed visual hierarchy, encouraging the viewer’s gaze to rotate endlessly, mirroring the cyclical pursuit of success and visibility in contemporary metropolitan life. The color orange is central to the emotional and conceptual impact of Metropolis Mirage. Associated with stimulation, urgency, and vitality, this radiant hue transforms the layered currency into a glowing landscape that feels both energetic and overwhelming. The warm luminosity recalls neon signage and illuminated advertisements that define modern cityscapes, where brightness becomes synonymous with opportunity. Within this glowing field, the Barbie legs appear as human traces caught in a stream of economic symbolism, suggesting how personal identity is often shaped—and sometimes fragmented—by the pressures of consumer culture. Oshima’s decision to isolate and repeat bodily fragments introduces a powerful visual metaphor. Detached from complete figures, the legs imply movement without destination, evoking ambition, aspiration, and the constant drive toward an imagined ideal. Their presence among the dollar bills underscores the tension between individuality and conformity, revealing how standardized representations of beauty and success influence self-perception. The interplay of textures—crumpled paper currency against smooth synthetic surfaces—enhances the tactile dimension of the work, inviting closer observation. The plexiglass enclosure plays a conceptual role beyond protection, functioning as a transparent barrier that amplifies reflections and diffuses the orange glow into the surrounding space. This extension transforms the sculpture into an atmospheric presence rather than a contained object, echoing the immersive visual experiences of urban commercial displays. Oshima leverages this strategy to question how environments saturated with light and imagery condition emotional responses and shape collective aspirations. As a major member of the studio CrazyNoodles, Oshima participates in a broader exploration of how global pop symbols circulate within Japanese Neo-Pop aesthetics. In Metropolis Mirage, the juxtaposition of American currency and Barbie iconography reflects the fluid exchange of cultural references across borders, highlighting the tension between imported ideals and local identity formation. The artwork becomes a visual reflection of globalization’s influence on personal dreams and societal values. The conceptual legacy fostered within the collective by Hiro Ando is evident in Oshima’s ability to balance visual seduction with critical depth. The glowing orange surface initially captivates, yet the fragmentation and repetition embedded in the composition prompt a deeper reflection on the ephemeral nature of material success. Each detail—from folded edges of currency to the positioning of sculptural fragments—contributes to a nuanced meditation on value, desire, and perception. Through its immersive circular structure, vibrant chromatic intensity, and layered symbolism, Metropolis Mirage captures the sensory overload and emotional complexity of contemporary urban culture. Oshima transforms familiar imagery into a reflective visual language that speaks to universal experiences of ambition and identity. By its poised composition, refined craftsmanship, and subtle emotional resonance, Metropolis Mirage stands out as a highly collectible work. Particularly suited for collectors of contemporary Japanese art, Neo-Pop, and sculptures exploring the intersections of urban psychology, economic symbolism, and visual identity. LITERATURE ABOUT THE SERIE “Dollar Dreams in Neon Barbie World” Within the series Dollar Dreams in Neon Barbie World, Kumikaho Oshima presents a cohesive body of five works that engage critically with the visual language of Japanese Neo-Pop while probing the psychological architecture of contemporary desire. By repeatedly combining Barbie figures, dollar bills, plexiglass enclosures, and intensely saturated LED lighting, the artist constructs luminous tableaux that function like symbolic vitrines. These works do not merely juxtapose global icons; they stage a confrontation between childhood mythology, economic aspiration, and the performative construction of identity in a hyper-visual society. Throughout the series, the dollar evolves from a simple emblem of currency into a pervasive psychological texture. Multiplied, folded, and layered, it becomes an environment rather than an object, evoking the constant presence of economic metrics in personal ambition. Oshima reframes money as a visual system that silently dictates value, shaping both collective imagination and individual self-worth. The repetition of the bill suggests that financial success is no longer an endpoint but a continuous horizon that conditions how dreams are formulated and pursued. The Barbie figure emerges as a powerful archetype of projected femininity and standardized beauty. Transplanted into a Japanese context, it embodies a cultural intersection where Western ideals merge with local expectations, often producing a subtle yet persistent tension. Oshima reveals the rigidity embedded within this icon: the fixed smile, idealized proportions, and immaculate appearance transform the doll into a symbol of performative identity. Encased within glowing structures, these figures appear simultaneously celebrated and confined, mirroring the paradox experienced by many young women navigating visibility, autonomy, and societal expectation. Material choices play a crucial conceptual role across the series. Plexiglass suggests transparency while enforcing separation, reinforcing the gap between aspiration and lived reality. LED illumination, rendered in vivid hues such as orange, pink, and yellow, echoes the sensory overload of contemporary urban environments where brightness becomes synonymous with desirability. In Oshima’s visual vocabulary, light functions both as attraction and interrogation: it draws viewers inward while exposing the artificial frameworks that shape emotional responses and consumer behavior. From a sociocultural perspective, the works reflect the pressures placed on young Japanese women in a rapidly globalizing society. The tension between individuality and conformity, independence and collective expectation, is subtly embedded within each composition. The dolls’ synthetic perfection contrasts with the chaotic layering of currency, suggesting how personal identity is often negotiated within systems that prioritize visibility and economic validation. Oshima captures this contradiction with sensitivity, portraying vulnerability not as weakness but as a site of introspection and resilience. Psychologically, the series conveys an acute awareness of how contemporary individuals internalize external projections. The luminous enclosures resemble stages on which ideals are continuously performed, revealing the emotional labor required to maintain socially acceptable images of success. Oshima’s approach suggests that beneath the surface allure lies a complex negotiation between authenticity and adaptation, where aspiration can inspire yet simultaneously constrain. As a major member of the studio CrazyNoodles, Oshima contributes to a broader redefinition of Japanese Neo-Pop, particularly under the conceptual influence of Hiro Ando. However, her practice is distinguished by a more introspective tone, where pop aesthetics become tools for critical inquiry rather than celebration. The five works in Dollar Dreams in Neon Barbie World transform familiar symbols into reflective devices that question how globalization, gender constructs, and economic values intersect within contemporary visual culture. Ultimately, the series extends beyond aesthetic experimentation to become a cultural mirror, revealing the mechanisms through which desire is shaped and circulated. By illuminating seductive surfaces while exposing their conceptual fragility, Kumikaho Oshima offers a lucid examination of the emotional and social dynamics defining modern life. These luminous sculptures invite viewers to reconsider their relationship with images of success and perfection, emphasizing not only what is seen, but how and why it continues to captivate.

Creator:
Kumikaho Oshima (Japanese)
Creation Year:
2020
Dimensions:
Height: 2.37 in (6 cm)Diameter: 29.53 in (75 cm)
Medium:
Plastic,Plexiglass,Paper,LED Light,Wax
Movement & Style:
Contemporary
Period:
2010-
Condition:
Gallery Location:
PARIS, FR
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU402317707592

Shop All Kumikaho Oshima

Kumikaho Oshima

Kumikaho Oshima, an avant-garde force in Japanese art, deftly wields satire as her chosen artistic tool, skillfully dissecting the nuanced influences of the West on Japanese culture. Firmly rooted in the dynamic currents of the neo-pop art movement, Oshima's creations serve as powerful vehicles challenging the appropriation of Western symbols within the cultural landscape.

At the core of Oshima's compelling narrative lies a profound exploration into the ever-shifting morals and desires of Japanese women. Her artistic canvas, adorned with symbolic elements such as Barbie dolls and US dollars, becomes a vivid tableau illustrating modern ideals and perceived necessities. Through the evocative use of motifs like nudity and orgies, Oshima provokes contemplation, offering a unique perspective on the commodification of the human body within contemporary society.

Oshima's masterful use of a subdued palette, rich with earthy and muted tones, imparts a washed-out quality to her canvases. Yet, beneath this subtlety lies an undercurrent of intense sensuality, adding layers of complexity to her compositions. As a painter who seamlessly integrates photographic techniques, Oshima strategically situates her subjects off-center, injecting a sense of drama and dynamism. Close-up shots delve into peculiar amalgamations, intensifying the impact of her incisive social commentary.

Venturing into the realm of three-dimensional expression, Oshima introduces the captivating "Dollar Dreams in Neon Barbie World" wall sculptures. These innovative pieces merge the luminosity of neon lights with the iconic presence of Barbie dolls, resulting in a mesmerizing fusion that explores the interplay between modern aspirations and consumer culture. Each sculpture serves as a visual symphony, drawing viewers into a dreamscape where economic desires and plastic fantasies intertwine seamlessly.

Complementing this groundbreaking series is Oshima's "Luminous Transactions: Barbie Chronicles in Currency Boxes." These sculptures elevate the mundane to the extraordinary, symbolizing the transactional nature of contemporary existence. The luminosity emanating from these thought-provoking sculptures invites viewers to contemplate the intricate interplay between consumerism, identity, and the evolving desires embedded in the neon-lit landscapes of our contemporary world.

A torchbearer for a new generation of audacious and ambitious female Japanese artists, Oshima's ambition extends beyond national borders. As a proud member of Studio Crazy Noodles, renowned for its expertise in Japanese neo-pop and the nuanced erotic portrayal of female characters, Oshima not only challenges established norms but firmly establishes herself as a bold and indispensable voice in the ever-evolving tapestry of contemporary art.

Materials

Canvas, Newsprint

Kumikaho OshimaMetropolis Mirage2020

About the Item

Kumikaho Oshima

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Kumikaho Oshima
Metropolis Mirage
2020