Today we’re previewing the work of Naoko Stoop and Paul Shih for the upcoming Works Cited group exhibition opening this Friday, April 11 from 6 – 9pm. Naoko’s work is up first, and is based on her book Red Knit Cap Girl, which was named one of The New York Times’ Best Illustrated Books in 2012.

About the work, Naoko says, “Living in New York City, it can be hard to see the beautiful night sky shining above the city lights. I was inspired to create this story after participating in Earth Hour, an event that encourages people to turn off the lights for an hour. Turning off the lights allowed me to sit quietly and appreciate the beautiful natural world and sky around me, beyond the light and noise of the city. No matter where we live, we can enjoy the beauty of the moon and stars shining above in the quiet darkness of the night, just like Red Knit Cap Girl and her friends.”

Creator of the Doo Doo Diving app and New Zealand-based toy designer & artist Paul Shih’s work comes from his recollection of a Japanese folktale from his childhood.

Paul says: “My piece is inspired by Momotaro, a Japanese folk tale about a boy who was born from a giant peach, and his journey of fighting monsters in a distant island, where he met some new animal friends who helped Momotaro in his quest. It’s one of most unique and creative children’s stories I’ve read, and probably the most memorable one, as there are all sorts of products for it, I was really into it when I was a kid, remember saw the Momotaro movie, cartoon, played its own video game, and even till today I still check out its ever growing related products.”

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Thanks to Naoko Stoop and Paul Shih and thanks to you for checking out this preview!

If you’d like to see the full show before the opening, please email us at previewme@myplasticheart.com to be added to the preview list.

Join the event on Facebook!

“Works Cited” Group Exhibition
Opens 6 – 9pm, Friday, April 11, 2014 at myplasticheart; Runs through May 11, 2014