In Japan there are forms of culture and art (like the so-called wabi-sabi and the sense of elegant simplicity) which love a deep sense of pathos and imperfection. On the opposite of that there are the so-called transcendental arts from the Meiji era. These are, for the most part, dazzling pieces with many designs of vivid colors. Perfect works of art.
From Mr. Maehara's works, we can feel this contradiction between both styles. With an absolutely flawless technique, he expresses an imperfect pathos with a sensibility which truly draws you in.
One even feels the optical illusion of seeing real marble atop his pedestal, when in fact it is carved from a single block of cherry tree, not a single seam in sight. With plowing shears and razors he carves that tree trunk, delicately chiseling the heavy-looking front and back areas to great levels of detail. The finishing touches are frighteningly light.
The artist himself, however, continues to carve in silence, continues to varnish his work. That's easy to say, but this style on which not even a scar is seen requires an unimaginable level of effort and a stubbornness which will not allow any compromise. Actually this piece has taken an incredibly long time to finish.
A piece which makes us feel as if someone's presence is still somewhere among the rusting landscape.
size 61cm-24cm-3cm (only stand)
