Where Water Meets Paper
A Tale of Venice and Japan
Water is essential for the Earth and all living beings, including us. It appears in many forms: oceans, rivers, ponds, and even a simple cup of water. We also encounter it as rain, snow, and mist, constantly surrounding us.
In Venice, I imagine that water has an especially intimate and vital presence, perhaps even more so than in other Italian cities. Similarly, in Japan, we are surrounded by the vast ocean. Additionally, many themes in Japanese Sumi-e artworks are deeply connected to water.
For this exhibition, I chose to explore the theme of water by drawing connections between two places profoundly intertwined with it: Venice and Japan.
The title of the exhibition carries a special meaning: it refers to the “destination” of water on paper. In these works, I sought to express how ink and water move across and within the layers of paper, finding their equilibrium. The amount of water used and the type of paper significantly influence the final result, creating unique and unrepeatable outcomes.
Before starting to paint, numerous steps and preparations are required to create a work that honors both the spirituality and the spontaneity of the process.
Although the exhibition includes a limited number of pieces, I hope you can observe and appreciate the flow of ink, the effects of blurring, and the marks left by the interplay of water and ink on paper.
Kie Iwakiri
