'mono no aware' emphasises that in a life that is decorated with transience, there is beauty in finding meaning in it.
“Mono no aware,” a Japanese concept, posits that within a life adorned with transience, the observation of mundane details can reveal profound emotions instilled in objects—a pathos of things. This is a philosophy I’ve embraced in my painting, drawing and carving practice as an Aotearoa-born Japanese person, who has recently returned to Japan. This experience ignited a personal reflection on my multicultural identity and how it deeply shapes my perception of the mundane.
This nuanced reflection of my multicultural identity unfolds through painting objects from my daily life in both countries, to navigate the oscillating feelings of confusion, contentment and belonging that have lingered throughout my life. I process this sense of dilemma by exuding weightlessness through my paint application; facilitating an experience of stillness and reflection. The recurring pair of objects in this body of work symbolise the duality of my cultural identity and the unique sense of belonging I have found in between.
‘The Pathos of Things’ encapsulates the essence of multiculturalism and its profound impact on my unique creative sensibilities. The use of thinly painted, stained, raw canvas surfaces and intricately carved raw pine frames is a subconscious reflection of Japanese culture and its deep reverence for the intrinsic nature of materials.
