Artist Statement
Artistic direction:
IRIS SAKAI depicts a world centered on the theme of self-liberation. A world where individuals can express their desires, emotions, mystical yearnings, and other aspects of their inner selves; free from societal norms and external influence. The motif of the "Hooded Man," an abstract figure with a hoodie but no visible face, allows for the depiction of nature, abstract landscapes, personal memories, and fantastical elements, actualizing figurative representations of people and places. This approach emphasizes personal freedom through visual representation and the expression of spiritual inner worlds.
Statement from the artist:
My work offers a fresh interpretation of the fusion between traditional Japanese culture and contemporary self-expression. Through combining Eastern philosophical thought with Western artistic techniques, my goal is to express the theme of self-liberation. In Japanese culture, restraint and modesty in expression are often regarded as virtues, but in my art, I invert this notion, focusing on liberation from these perceived restraints; while actively preserving and progressing these values through my creative expression. I aim to surpass the boundaries of existing artistic movements, exploring new forms of self-expression that symbolize contemporary openness through the fusion of Western movements such as abstract expressionism and surrealism, with Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.
Motivation for Creation:
The motif of the "Hooded Man" stems from my own childhood experiences. As a boy and throughout my formative years, I was introverted, often too concerned with others' perceptions to express my own thoughts and emotions. However, solo travels abroad during university brought about a transformation in my inner world: I began to recognize unconscious aspects of myself, and wanted to cross the creative and expressive boundaries that I encountered in my consciousness; from that point on, I began creating art.
Influenced by Western artistic movements such as surrealism, I also found resonance with the spatial beauty of Japanese art, such as "ma" (negative space), and the Zen philosophy. Zen emphasizes the importance of eliminating external distractions to focus on the purity of the inner self. By combining these elements, I began expressing my inner world through the motif of the "Hooded Man."
Plans for the Future:
In the coming years, I will create more opportunities for the international community to experience my work directly. To do this, I will continue holding exhibitions around the world. Through these exhibitions, I hope to reinterpret the delicate beauty and philosophical depth of traditional Japanese culture through contemporary art, sharing this vision globally. My goal is to foster an experience that transcends national and cultural boundaries, helping people connect with and understand the importance of inner freedom and self-expression.
Additionally, I seek to collaborate with like minded brands and institutions to integrate my work into contemporary life. I plan to explore collaborations in fashion, interior design, and lifestyle, blending my artistic philosophy and aesthetic sense to pioneer new values, and express them through various mediums. Through these collaborations, I aspire to make art that is accessible in daily life, and to promote a collective sense of inner freedom and connection among the public
