New York based Kumiya Mashita is a shadow artist, juxtaposing tactile objects with ghostlike shadow forms.  The effect is something out of an art house horror movie or a fever dream.  Her illusions emerge from the darkness, deliberately carved wood and carefully placed illumination forming the basis of her installations.  Called a “magician of shadow” in her native Japan, Mashita also creates intricate portraits using unconventional techniques:  in one work, she has removed strategic threads from woven cloth to create a detailed portrait of a young boy.

Chair, 2010. By Kumi Yamashita.

Seated Figure, 2008. Kumi Yamashita.

Warp and Weft (Mana), 2007. Kumi Yamashita.

Visit KumiYamashita.com for more information.  Watch this video about her work.