Satoko Aoki my way - indigo H600×W200×D38mm

dyeing series
2025
Mixed Media
Acrylic paint, mineral pigments, pigments, canvas

This work is part of the "dyeing series," characterized by its vertical composition reminiscent of a hanging scroll. It features bands at the top and bottom with a greenish-aqua background adorned with gold and silver line drawings of floral patterns. The central part, corresponding to the main body of the scroll, is filled with a deep, subdued indigo, from which emerge irregular, island-like shapes in an unbleached hue, resembling a map or cloth dyed with mineral pigments.

On this island, numerous paths and river-like patterns, drawn with white lines, run horizontally and vertically, dotted with small navy-blue flowers and specks. It evokes the appearance of an old map or the earth itself viewed from above. At the peak of this island stands a small white fox (or dog), gazing steadily forward.

As the title "my way" suggests, this artwork depicts the path the fox has walked or is yet to walk, expressed through the map-like patterns of the land. The small figure standing at the peak seems to be looking at a sure path beneath its feet—the traces of past steps and choices—within a vast indigo universe (or night). The subtitle "indigo" can be interpreted as symbolizing a determined, introspective, and serene "my way" through its deep, quiet hue.

As stated in the artist's statement, this work is also an attempt to reproduce the characteristic "blurring" (bokashi), "shibori" (tie-dyeing), and the Japanese hanging scroll-like designs unique to dyeing, using acrylic paints, mineral pigments, and canvas, without employing actual dyeing techniques. The deep blue color field, reminiscent of indigo dyeing, plays a symbolic role in imbuing the painting with the texture of "dye."

【Artist's Comment】

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

Using popular painting materials like acrylic paints and canvas, this work recreates the unique blurring and tie-dyeing effects, incorporating designs and color schemes reminiscent of Japanese hanging scrolls, the fine lines of Yuzen dyeing, and abundant "goodness of dyeing" felt during the dyeing process.

As a lover of dyeing, there may be aspects where it cannot rival genuine dyed products. However, by expressing dyeing without actually dyeing, this series solves the issue of "fading" that is a challenge for dyed products, allowing the beauty of dyeing to be preserved for future generations for a longer time. I hope this series will serve as an opportunity for people to become a little more interested in dyeing.