The exhibition Napier presents new paintings by Kanta Kimura alongside a curated selection of furniture pieces by architect and designer Julia von Werz at Circle Culture Gallery, alongside Gallery Weekend Berlin.
As part of the exhibition we will present a jointly developed work that brings painting and furniture into one.
Kanta Kimura
Kanta Kimura’s painting is grounded in the movement of color. The process begins with a monochrome base, onto which fluid oil paint is applied and then set in motion using a compressed-air gun. The airflow does not serve to apply paint, but to move and shape the existing paint layer. From this process emerge traces, densities and open structures that unfold through movement.
The paintings are complete in themselves and at the same time carry a sense of continuity. They do not capture a single moment, but hold movement as an ongoing presence. Kimura describes this condition through the concept of “Ukiyo” (“the flowing world”), which for him takes place on the canvas. He uses the term in his own sense, detached from its historical or Buddhist context, as a way of describing a world that emerges through the act of painting itself: a world defined by flow, transformation and becoming.
For Napier, Kanta Kimura presents new works that have not previously been shown to the public and were developed specifically for the exhibition.
Julia von Werz
Julia von Werz’s practice is rooted in architecture and furniture design, which she has developed in parallel for over 21 years. Founded in 2005 as an international practice, JVW combines architectural work with bespoke furniture design, with a focus on functionality, material precision, and aesthetic clarity.
Dissatisfied with generic design solutions, von Werz began developing custom furniture for her architectural projects, which has grown into an independent body of work. Early pieces were made using reclaimed wood from New York’s Hudson Valley.
JVW uses only the best materials when designing and manufacturing its furniture. These include woods sourced from old farms, riverbeds, and workshops, defined by distinctive grain and character, making each piece unique. The work is realized through careful material selection and high-level craftsmanship, resulting in objects of lasting quality.
For Napier, a curated selection of special furniture pieces is presented, highlighting different aspects of her practice.
