NOBUKO WATABIKI

“Why do people live? What is the purpose of life?” “What does it mean to be deeply moved?”

These questions, which have occupied Watabiki since childhood, ultimately led her to pursue the path of an artist. Beginning with printmaking, her practice has evolved through box objects incorporating photography, oil pastel works on Japanese paper, and acrylic paintings on canvas. Despite these shifts in medium, the central theme of her work has remained constant: the process of giving form to the intangible – emotions and states of mind –and allowing those forms to generate colour.

Once expressed, these emotions, sentiments, and subtle nuances begin to exist independently of the artist. They no longer belong solely to their creator, nor even exclusively to humanity. They may equally represent the shared feelings of all living beings, including animals and plants. This is why the boundary between humans and plants often becomes indistinct in Watabiki’s imagery.

Having lived in Germany for many years, Watabiki has continually explored the differences between herself and others, while simultaneously deepening her awareness of the Japanese cultural traditions that form the foundation of her identity. Living within a multicultural society has led her to reflect on how people, each shaped by their own unique backgrounds, perceive, listen, and feel the world around them. This ongoing process of questioning is what ultimately finds expression in her work.

Marking her first solo exhibition in approximately four years, this exhibition presents approximately 20 new and earlier works focusing on the shared existence of humans and plants as living beings. Just as plants instinctively grow toward the light, Watabiki’s works reveal the gentle trajectory of a heart guided by compassion.

We sincerely look forward to welcoming you to the gallery.