Aomi Kikuchi
Buddha preached that “By understanding and accepting the impermanence and insubstantiality of this world, we can control our cravings and alleviate suffering."I am inspired by his philosophy and the Japanese aesthetics of Wabi-Sabi (imperfection) and mono no a-wa-re (compassionate heart).
Through my artwork, I convey that compassion is a meaningful solution to alleviating cravings. I focus on personal desires and suffering, and on people and things that are forced to suffer in order to satisfy the greed of others. Fear and disgust are also causes of suffering. I work to help people let go of negative emotions by finding new perspectives and turning negative emotions into positive ones.
I am a multidisciplinary artist primarily focused on "Art Povera", an anti-hierarchical approach. I incorporate everyday goods and humble materials into 2D/3D works such as sculptures, clothing, and objects. By utilizing materials that were previously discarded or thought to have no value, and infusing them with new perspectives and meaning, we can advance the idea that anything in daily life can be used as material for art. This idea leads to creating works with less environmental impact.
While studying academic art, I also followed my own curiosity and learned craft techniques. They include dressmaking, traditional kimono dyeing, dyeing in general, ceramics, ceramic painting, Japanese embroidery, knitting, and Urushi-lacquer. In addition to continuously examining the difference between art and craft and the potential of craft as an artistic expression, I would like to pursue innovative art without being bound by preconceived notions.
