Satoko Aoki's Journey of Imagination - Gold - H600×W200×D38mm

dyeing series 2025 Mixed media Acrylic paints, Japanese mineral pigments, pigments, canvas H600×W200×D38mm This work is part of the "Imaginary Journey" series and, like other "dyeing series" pieces, has a vertical composition reminiscent of a hanging scroll, featuring bands at the top and bottom with gold and silver line drawings of flora and constellations on a black background. The central main panel is filled with a deep golden color (olive-tinted gold), and a large hot air balloon is depicted as if floating in its center. The top of the balloon is dyed a vivid orange, adding warmth as if capturing a morning or evening sky. The balloon itself is predominantly white and light blue, with geometric panel lines and black, leaf-like fin decorations symmetrically placed on either side. The lower basket portion is adorned with diverse stripes in blue, orange, black, and gray. A thin thread hangs from the balloon, with a small blue bird in a tiny basket tied to its end. As the title "Imaginary Journey" suggests, this balloon is depicted not as a real vehicle but as a symbol of the journey itself, freely imagined in one's mind. The subtitle "gold" refers to the golden background enveloping this work, chosen as a color that evokes richness, hope, or special moments. The small bird tied to the end of the thread, though a modest presence compared to the large balloon, quietly watches over the journey as a small guide leading this "imaginary journey." As stated in the artist's statement, this work is also an attempt to recreate the "blurring" and "shibori" unique to dyeing, as well as designs reminiscent of Japanese hanging scrolls, using acrylic paints, Japanese mineral pigments, and canvas, without employing actual dyeing techniques. The combination of the profound golden background and the dreamlike motif of the hot air balloon invites viewers into a serene world of imagination. 【Artist's Comment】 A series by Satoko Aoki, a former dyeing artist, focusing on the "concept" of dyeing. It is a new endeavor to "express dyeing without dyeing." Using acrylic paints and canvas, popular materials in painting, this work recreates the unique blurring and shibori of dyeing. It incorporates Japanese-style hanging scroll designs and colors, the fine lines of Yuzen dyeing, and all the "goodness of dyeing" felt during the dyeing process. As a lover of dyeing, there may be aspects where it cannot compete with genuine dyed products. However, by expressing dyeing without actually dyeing, it solves the challenge of "fading" that dyed products face, allowing the beauty of dyeing to be preserved for future generations for a longer time. I hope this series can spark even a little interest in dyeing.