For Nishimura Yuko this concept is the basis of her work as she reinterprets this culture of folding in her own way. Nishimura creates large scale paper relief sculptures composed of narrow pleats that are made by repetitive creasing and folding, which result in accordion folds. In this work, circles overlap within circles, expressing movement and capturing the beautiful contrast of light and shadow.
The Artwork アートワーク
The act of folding, such as folding screens, origami, folding fan, or beautiful wrapping are deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Artist's Statement アーティストの声明
Japanese people perform the act of folding unconsciously in daily life
“Japanese people perform the act of folding unconsciously in daily life because it is a practical form of ‘compacting’- such as in folding screens, folded kimomos, beautifully folded money holders, shide (folded zigzag-shaped paper streamers often used to adorn Shinto-related objects), the famous origami paper cranes, etc. In Japan many of these folding traditions derive from someone’s happiness or the hope for good fortune. I have also realized that the similarity between the Japanese words 折 (fold), and 祈 (pray), and the words 誓 (pledge) and 哲 (philosopher) all embed the character 折 (fold).
There is a no clear evidence that there is a connection between folding and praying, but it is hard to assume that this is a mere coincidence. After realizing these connections, I think that folding is not only a practical act, but is also related to praying.
Because I believe that these ordinary practices and forms that have been handed down through the centuries have deeper and hidden meanings, I like to think that my work represents a synthesis of our culture and our art.”
The Artist アーティスト
Yuko Nishimura is a Japanese Contemporary artist who was born in 1978
Numerous key galleries and museums such as Mingei International Museum have featured Yuko Nishimura's work in the past.
