讀後心得

Japanese artist Tamie Okuyama is holding her first major solo exhibition in Hong Kong, inviting viewers to set aside their egos while appreciating the works and exploring their inner worlds. Okuyama's creative inspiration comes from the connections between humanity, nature, and the universe, with her recent works often centered around the sun, showcasing a reverence for the importance of Earth. She aims to inspire viewers to rediscover the wonders of everyday life through her art. The exhibition features over 90 pieces, including her latest series "Hana Senri," which explores the microscopic characteristics of flowers and their interactions with the environment. The exhibition will run until March 15, 2025, at the Sotheby's flagship gallery on the first floor of the Landmark in Central.

Organized by Sotheby’s, this is the first solo exhibition of Japanese artist Tamie Okuyama in Hong Kong, and it is the largest scale to date. While appreciating the artworks, the audience can temporarily set aside their self and return to their true inner self. Born in Joetsu City, Japan, the core of Okuyama's work is the connection between humanity, nature, and the universe. Although she is 78 years old, her curiosity about the world continues to manifest in her creations. Okuyama draws inspiration from diverse sources, including Chinese landscape paintings from the Song and Yuan dynasties, the architecture of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, and the natural practice of breathing therapy. In recent years, her works often depict the sun, expressing profound respect for this important celestial body. In this interview, the artist shares more stories about her creations.

What kind of viewing experience do you hope the audience will gain from your first Sotheby’s exhibition in Hong Kong?

• I hope people will realize that the ordinary world actually hides many surprises and different forms, and that they can temporarily escape their daily senses to explore deeper within themselves. I would be very happy if my paintings can serve as a catalyst.

What is your impression of the Hong Kong art scene in recent years?

• I visited Hong Kong once, which was 53 years ago. I feel like I know almost nothing about this city and look forward to returning this time to compare it with my vague memories.

This solo exhibition showcases over 90 works; what are some of the newest creations?

• There is a series of flower paintings titled “Hana Senri” (Flower Thousand Miles). Recently, I have developed a strong interest in the microscopic nectar of flowers and have learned about many amazing mechanisms, such as how flowers choose colors and how they listen to the sounds made by insects with their petals to release nectar, which fascinates me deeply.

The core of the works lies in the connection between humanity, nature, and the universe. With your rich life experiences, how do you currently view nature and the universe?

• Since I was 13, I have been sensitive to news about space and physics. Recent debates on relativity and quantum theory have made me feel the evaporation of identity. I have come to understand that the three-dimensional universe originates from the two-dimensional quantum code, which has enriched my imagination of the universe.

Recently, the depiction of the sun has become a main theme in your works; what is the reason behind this?

• This connection is not merely inspiration but rather my familiarity with the sun; it is a concrete existence. I dedicate my creative passion to the sun, which lives just like us. I hope that the circular form of life can represent the life of the entire solar system.

From your youth until now, you have traveled extensively. Have you had any unforgettable travels recently?

• In my childhood, my cousin told me that standing on the lawn is like standing on a planet called Earth, which intensified my desire to explore this planet. Although I have visited many countries, seeing the round shape of Earth from an airplane for the first time made me realize its smallness, and I felt a sense of losing my footing.

You experienced a low point in art at the end of the 1980s, and a later mysterious experience inspired you. Can you share that experience?

• During that time, I couldn’t paint anymore because I felt that my work had diverged from emotion. One day, I decided to let go of my obsession with painting and began to directly express my emotions on the canvas. This thought made the surrounding world extremely beautiful, and everything radiated light. I ultimately changed my painting style completely and won an important award because of it.

What advice do you have for young artists?

• I believe it is beneficial to occasionally set aside protective thoughts and calculations, returning to the original point of the heart, listening to the inner voice, and maintaining a pure and unblemished spirit.

Tamie Okuyama

Exhibition date: From now until March 15, 2025

Location: Sotheby's flagship gallery, 1/F, Chater House, Central