Yujiro Ueno

Empowering creativity

"In contrast to the Western art's significant concern with how to express existence, in the East, there has been a longstanding belief that matter and spirit are inseparable, giving rise to the idea of 'ki' (internal energy) where everything is considered fluid and mutually influential. I primarily focus on creatures, both real and imaginary, as motifs in my expression. The main themes revolve around the 'ki' they possess, their interactions with the external world, and delving into the flow of material and spiritual aspects in a more conceptual sense.

"The concept of 'ki' is closely tied to the philosophy of explaining the elements of the world through yin and yang. In my works, I incorporate contrasting concepts such as yin and yang, East and West, past and present, concrete and abstract, existence and non-existence. To express these ideas, I focus on the brushstroke as a means to liberate my own senses, employing a technique of layering them in a multifaceted manner.

"I refer to the tradition of Eastern painting, which captures the vitality of the subject through brushstrokes. While referencing the context of Western painting in terms of materials and techniques. My intention is to present a contemporary expression that inherits history and culture, merging both traditions into a new form."