Hiroko Nakakita used Akoya pearls from the Japanese jewellery store Tasaki. The pearls are grown sustainably and he created a series of artworks on the theme of the Little Mermaid.
Pure Radiancy, which runs until 11 July, is a showcase of contemporary art by Hiroko Nakakita.
Nakakita is from Hyōgo prefecture in western Japan. She got her start in the oil painting department at Tokyo University of the Arts. Today, her activities are between Kobe and California. She creates and exhibits both at her own gallery, Hiroko Nakakita, in Japan and abroad.
For her latest exhibition, Nakakita used Akoya pearls, collected on Tasaki farms, in various artworks. Scattered among Tasaki jewelry displays, each piece is inspired by the literary stories of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Specifically, from the classic story of Pure Radiancy, the original version of the beloved fairy tale The Little Mermaid that we know today.
“I depicted the nature of the human heart and way of life based on the theme of the conflicting facts of “intentional” and “unintentional”. I also expressed the pure and sincere love of the Little Mermaid by overlaying Tasaki's delicate pearls and Andersen's story,” says Nakakita, about the inspiration behind the fictional series.
“I colored the canvas with pearls, crystals and gold leaf and completed two-dimensional works,” he continues.
“By creating an uneven surface, the works give various expressions captured from different angles. I also created three-dimensional works - Robe and Lily Crown - to invite viewers into the world of the Little Mermaid's story in a more realistic way.”.
Nakakita chose Tasaki pearls, she says, for their sparkle that attracts like no other. “Tasaki pearls truly express the dignified beauty and pure personality of the Little Mermaid,” she adds.
“So what makes Tasaki different and what makes it timeless is that it has no qualms about straying from the traditional pearl stereotype. She uses pearls in very creative and unusual ways to find a new way to appreciate their beauty. As an artist, I am very grateful that Tasaki accepted and followed this creative process.”.
Source: somethingaboutrocks.com
