Satoko Aoki - Journey of Imagination - Lemon - H600×W200×D38mm

Dyeing Series 2025 Mixed Media Acrylic paints, Japanese mineral pigments, pigments, canvas This work, part of the "Journey of Imagination" series, forms a pair with "Gold." It takes on a vertical, scroll-like composition, with decorative bands at the top and bottom edges featuring white and gold line drawings of flowers and constellation-like patterns on a blue-gray background. The central main panel is filled with a refreshing lemon yellow, and a hot air balloon is depicted floating in its center. The crown of the hot air balloon is painted in a calm gray, and the body is predominantly white, with a dark blue-green band running vertically down the center, adorned with a pattern of white arrow feathers and orange triangles. Geometrical designs are carefully layered, including black and light blue leaf-shaped decorations arranged symmetrically, a brown canvas section at the bottom, and a blue and white checkered basket. Thin threads hang from the hot air balloon, with a small bird in a basket tied to their ends, and another bird is subtly blended into the upper band in a line drawing. The title "Lemon" refers to the lemon-yellow background that envelops this work, and in contrast to the rich and warm gold of "Gold," this piece gives a light and refreshing impression. While both works feature the motif of a hot air balloon, the difference in color significantly alters the texture of the "Journey of Imagination." Whereas "Gold" evokes twilight and abundance, "Lemon" suggests the exhilaration of a sunny day and the fresh stirrings of a new journey. The small bird tied to the end of the thread, even in this work, quietly watches over the journey as a humble guide to the large vehicle that is the hot air balloon. As stated in the artist's statement, this work is also an attempt to reproduce the characteristic "blurring" and "shibori" (tie-dyeing) effects of dyeing, as well as designs reminiscent of Japanese scrolls, using acrylic paints, Japanese mineral pigments, and canvas, without employing actual dyeing techniques. 【Artist's Comment】 This series, by former dyeing artist Satoko Aoki, focuses 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 is a piece that generously incorporates the "goodness of dyeing" felt during the dyeing process, such as the design and colors reminiscent of Japanese scrolls with a traditional feel, and the fine lines of Yuzen dyeing. As a dyeing enthusiast, there may be aspects where it cannot rival genuine dyed products, but by expressing dyeing without actually dyeing, it solves the challenge of "fading" that was an issue with dyed products, making it a series that can preserve the goodness of dyeing for future generations for a longer time. I hope this series can serve as an opportunity for people to become a little more interested in dyeing.