Panel one - Selected by Moeko ASAMURA
Curator Comment by ASAMURA Moeko about “Butterfly” by YIN Qixin
CULTIVATE is a word that has multiple meanings. So, the same theme of ‘cultivate’ can be interpreted in different ways by different people. The multiple meanings of ‘cultivate’ share the common image of to improve something.
This artwork’s title is “Butterfly” by YIN Qixin. It is inspired by the meaning of ‘to plow a field’ in relation to the word cultivate. And the design was inspired by the image of a beautiful pattern of butterfly wings.
YIN uses butterflies as a symbol of strength and beauty in her work.
The story of cultivating the hearts of people that have become barren and planting vivid ‘dreams’ and ‘hopes’ is abstractly expressed on a blue-based canvas.
This work connects the meaning of cultivating a field with people's hearts.
The beauty of butterflies reminds us of the ‘dreams’ and ‘hopes’ that glow in our hearts. And the world view of this artwork, as if we are looking into a kaleidoscope reminds us that a variety of emotions including both positive and negative exist in our hearts.
It's not an exaggeration to say the work “cultivates a person’s heart and mind”.
Curator Comment by ASAMURA Moeko about “Growing Rings” by Selina SCHNAUDT
‘Cultivate’ is a word that has both agricultural meanings such as plowing the land and growing, and internal meanings such as learning skills and education. Selina SCHNAUDT’s artwork “Growth Rings” was inspired by the image of a tree stump. Selina interpreted the inner meaning of “cultivate” as human growth can be achieved through time, and used natural things from the agricultural meaning of “cultivate” to express this in her work. The process of growth and development is symbolized by the rings of the tree, that are formed year by year.
The work is monochromatic based on Selina’s aesthetic sensibility, and is framed to create a sense of movement and connection, so the growth rings of the six trees seem to resonate and enhance each other. Although it may not be the artist’s intention, this work reminds us that time and presence of others are necessary for inner growth. It reminds us of what we need, which we had almost lost due to the COVID pandemic.
YIN Qixin (Artist)
Born in China. She is enrolled in the Field of Media Art and Design at Joshibi University of Art and Design Graduate School. She often does illustrations for children.
Instagram: @yin_117art
Selina SCHNAUDT (Artist)
Born in Thailand. She is enrolled in the Visual Communication Specialism, in the Art & Design Foundation Studies Course at Loughborough University. She makes product work using photography and ceramics.
ASAMURA Moeko (Curator)
Born in Kanagawa. She is enrolled in the Concentration in Art and Culture at Joshibi University of Art and Design. She belongs to the Japanese Art History Seminar and Art and Law Seminar. She likes watching Kabuki plays & wearing Kimono. She also plays local music.