Tomoko Sakurai “Raise a Storm of Excitement”

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Tomoko Sakurai’s detailed paintings of real and imaginary creatures and microorganisms have attracted much attention at solo and group shows in venues such as Tokyo and Osaka department stores. At the 10th KIAF Art Fair in Seoul in 2011, her skillful technique in drawing unusual animals won acclaim on the international stage, and she has become an artist to watch in recent years.

This exhibition presents works of various sizes created between 2009 and 2013, including new pieces. The ancient comma-like pattern “tomoe,” often interpreted as an eddy of water and used to represent protection against fires, can be found on the bodies of the paintings’ creatures. These “eddies” seem to be symbols of energetic strength and the vital force of animals that have survived and evolved amid repeated changes in environment over time.

About this sublime fusion of natural energy and vital power that emanates from the canvas, Sakurai has said, “I continue to feel sanctified when I create these creatures.” This statement attests to the phenomena of people around the world revering living things as gods and god-serving creatures since ancient times. Sakurai’s works delve into the history of humans and animals, recognizing animals’ important role in humanity’s survival. When encountering these creatures, we once again recognize that they have allowed us to live through the tumultuous tides of fate.