Series/ KOTODAMA - the magic of words
Iwao / 巌
: Mixed media on tile 15×15cm, Wooden frame 20×20cm
/ 2023
Iwao
= Tall large rocks, Large, craggy stone, rock cave, rock hole,
A combination with “chain of mountains” and “two mouth” It means a harsh mountain.
Since ancient times, rocky places were considered sacred places. Iwao refers to the ritual of the festival of purification, which is performed using alcohol.
Kotodama: meaning the spirit that dwells in words. In ancient Japan it was believed that the spiritual power that resides in words could realise the content of linguistic expressions.There are two sides to this belief: positive words are actively used to realise that which they express, and negative words are avoided or shunned. With this inherent energy, the words one utters can directly affect reality and manifest changes, for better or for worse.
This is a series of works in which words are incorporated into the artworks with gold-leaf calligraphy, bringing wealthy vibrational energy.