Satoko Aoki soar high - sumi H600×W200×D38mm

Dyeing Series 2025 Mixed Media Acrylic paints, Japanese mineral pigments, pigments, canvas This work is part of the "soar high" series, featuring dandelion fluffs as its motif, similar to the previous "soar high - sunset -". The top and bottom edges are adorned with bands of unbleached beige fabric, on which floral patterns are rendered with fine silver and gold lines, creating a vertical composition reminiscent of a kakejiku (hanging scroll). While "sunset" featured a warm orange main panel, the central part of this work is filled with a deep, subdued sumi (ink) black, a navy color almost indistinguishable from black. Against this dark, almost shadowy background, a large, open dandelion fluff is depicted. Around it, several dandelion seeds, already carried by the wind, are seen floating. Amidst the dark background, the white fluff emerges with a quiet yet distinct presence. A single stem extends straight down from the fluff, leading to a geometric bird-like shape, resembling origami, and further below, a small light-like form is added. The subtitle "sumi" refers precisely to this deeply subdued, almost black background color. In contrast to the warm and bright departure of "sunset," it evokes a more introspective journey, taking place in stillness and depth. The white fluff floating in the darkness is not depicted as fearing the dark but rather as an entity that quietly radiates light within it, instilling in the viewer a sense of calm strength and hope amidst tranquility. As stated in the artist's statement, this work is also an attempt to recreate the unique "blurring" (bokashi), "shibori" (tie-dyeing), fine line drawings of Yuzen dyeing, and the deep hues reminiscent of sumi-zome (ink dyeing) using acrylic paints and Japanese mineral pigments on canvas, without employing actual dyeing techniques. 【Artist's Comment】 This series by Satoko Aoki, a former dyeing artist, focuses on the "concept" of dyeing. It is a new endeavor to "express dyeing without actually dyeing." Using acrylic paints and canvas, popular materials in painting, this work recreates the unique blurring and shibori of dyeing. It is a work richly imbued with the "goodness of dyeing" that I felt while dyeing, such as the Japanese-style kakejiku-like design and colors, and the fine lines of Yuzen dyeing. As someone who loves dyeing, there may be aspects where it cannot surpass authentic dyed products. However, by expressing dyeing without actually dyeing, it resolves the issue of "fading," which was a challenge for dyed products, making it a series that can preserve the goodness of dyeing for future generations. I hope this series can serve as an opportunity for people to become a little more interested in dyeing.