Satoko Aoki "A Picture of a Little Plump Person" H900×W300×D38mm

dyeing series
2023
Mixed Media
Acrylic paints, pigments, resin, canvas

This work is characterized by its elongated screen composition, reminiscent of a vertically long hanging scroll. Bands resembling "hyogu" (mounting) are placed at the top and bottom edges, featuring gold and silver line drawings of flowers and seed patterns on a dark blue background. These bands frame the central "honshi" (main panel) area, just like an actual hanging scroll.

The central screen quietly graduates from a pale gray at the top, through a subtly yellowish mid-tone, to a soft white at the bottom. Within this gradation, countless dandelion fluffs are delicately depicted, slowly drifting down from top to bottom.

In the lower part of the screen, there is an endearing, "chubby" creature (human) with a rounded body, composed of multiple color planes in white, navy, green, blue, and gray. Its head has a roundness like a white bird, and its body is formed by geometric color divisions. Droplets resembling water fall from its striped feet. Below the creature, a light yellow pedestal-like shape, reminiscent of light, supports its presence peacefully.

As the title "Pokkori na Hito" (Chubby Human) suggests, this creature is somewhat round and plump, with an endearing, relaxed demeanor. The lightness of the falling fluffs contrasts with the "chubby" weight and softness of the human, creating a piece that evokes a quiet and serene flow of time.

As stated in the artist's statement, this work is part of the "dyeing series," which reproduces the textures characteristic of dyeing, such as "bokashi" (gradation), "shibori" (tie-dyeing), and the fine lines of Yuzen dyeing, using acrylic paints and canvas without employing actual dyeing techniques. By incorporating the Japanese style of the hanging scroll itself as a motif, this work strongly expresses the artist's respect for dyeing culture and her intention to preserve its charm for future generations through painting.

【Artist's Comment】

This series by Satoko Aoki, a former dyeing artist, focuses on the "concept" of dyeing. It is a new attempt to "express dyeing without dyeing."

Using acrylic paints and canvas, popular materials in painting, this work reproduces the gradations and tie-dyeing characteristic of dyeing, incorporating designs and colors reminiscent of Japanese hanging scrolls, fine lines of Yuzen dyeing, and the "goodness of dyeing" felt during the dyeing process.

As a lover of dyeing, there may be aspects where it cannot rival actual dyed products. However, by expressing dyeing without dyeing, it solves the challenge of "fading" that dyed products face, making it a series that can preserve the beauty of dyeing for longer and for future generations. I hope this series can serve as an opportunity for people to become a little more interested in dyeing.