Vortex

My works are based on the natural features, history and culture of Japan in line with the influences other cultures bring from all over the world. The aim of my work is to foster a greater understanding of the cultural connections Japan has with outside nations. In order to do so, I will start by explaining each concept with religion, which is always placed with high importance in the center of many cultures.

Japanese religious beliefs are known to be complicated since the Japanese people accept and practice the diverse doctrines present within Shintoism, Buddhism, Christianity and a variety of other religions. Although I paint themes mainly from Buddism or Zen religion, as they are important aspects of Japanese culture and tradition which are rooted in my mind and body, I grew up in a Catholic family in Japan, and my work is mixed with various ideas. In fact, the current religious state in Japan is represented with several kinds of religions co-existing together without conflict.

I would like to point out one unique Buddhist concept in my work named “Shogyo-mujo“, which teaches that all things are in flux, nothing is permanent and all worldly things are transitory, which you can see from the skull and wave in my painting. The skull represents the fascination with life and death while the wave represents reincarnation.

The concept of “Shogyo-mujo” exists generally in different cultures and in different shapes. As one death becomes the beginning of another life, there is an equilibrium regarding the circle of life. In addition, the aspects that make up the universe such as the flow of sea, the race of the sun, and the wax and wane of the moon are also repeated infinitely, generating various changes within the atmosphere.

In this exhibition, titled “Vortex,” I have made a piece representing the process of creation and reincarnation through waves and spirals that swallow all kinds of existence. The result of this mixture demonstrates a new kind of creation, as reincarnation becomes a new way of improvement by incorporating every existence.

This exhibition embodies the Japanese unique views on life and death which I have obtained through my Japanese background. It is also an idea I believe can be applied to and inspire those outside of Japan.