Learning through the skin

Ono Tomohiro's exhibition "Afterimage" ended yesterday.

Thank you to everyone who came along!

During the nine days, Ono's various expressions using paper expanded, as one could discover that paper is a collection of fibers made from plants when tracing its origins.

When I stand in front of a work of art, my field of vision starts from the larger picture, but before I know it, I narrow my focus to look at even the tiniest particles, and I find myself wanting to pursue every last detail, to touch it and feel the texture.

When illuminated, some things receive the light and some let it go, creating a lingering image that appears.

Ono's paper works, which are assembled in various ways with great balance, contain these qualities.

At the TANE dinner party that was held at the same time, we were treated to a course of South Indian cuisine.

I had a preconceived notion that TANE's food would be delicious, but the fun of sharing it together with everyone was a completely different experience.

When you dine on a course meal and have each dish prepared just for you, you feel like you want to concentrate wholeheartedly, attentively, and immerse yourself deeply in this world in a state of mindfulness.

For the appetizers, Ono served a variety of colorful dishes on paper dishes, and the harmonious background was breathtaking.

We were forced to close the exhibition on the last day due to a memorial service.

All of my relatives run the temple, and ceremonies are often conducted by around ten family priests, with familiar faces calmly carrying out their respective roles.

Everyone wears their own robes, and the presiding master wears robes appropriate to the ceremony, in terms of material and color.

They are treasured for decades, and items that hold sentimental value are sometimes selected for ceremonies by students or masters, or passed on to the next generation.

The clothes, grooming, and bowing are all in keeping with the simple, honest mannerisms that are unique to Zen Buddhism.

As everyone took their turn to walk, the hems of their robes were reflected in various colors on the stage, creating a beautiful sight, and it reminded me of the times since I was a child when I shared such scenes with others during solemn ceremonies, whether in sad or happy times.

As a recent new venture, I am in charge of articles related to clothing called " Utsushiki no Sougi ".

It's something I've taken for granted up until now, but I'd like to explore it from my own perspective.

It is something that is closest to your skin and can even become an expression of your self.

We hope you will also enjoy combining works created by artists with whom we have a connection through Utsushiki.

I've also written about how I got started, so please read through from the first chapter to accompany your tea on a cold day.

Ono Tomohiro's works will continue to be on display in the permanent exhibition.

This is a work of art with an irreplaceable presence, so please come and experience it for yourself.

Saori Konishi