讀後心得

Sotheby's is holding the first major solo exhibition of Japanese artist 奥山民枝 in Hong Kong, showcasing over 90 works. 奥山's creations revolve around the connection between humanity, nature, and the universe, and she is dedicated to awakening viewers' re-understanding of everyday life. Her works are inspired by diverse cultures and nature, particularly a reverence for the sun. The artist hopes that the audience can, for a brief moment, let go of the self and engage in a dialogue with their inner selves. This exhibition offers an opportunity for people to rediscover the ordinary world and explore their relationship with the universe. The exhibition will run until March 15, 2025.

The first major solo exhibition of Japanese artist 奥山民枝 presented by Sotheby's is being held in Hong Kong. This exhibition kindly invites the audience to temporarily set aside their self while appreciating the artworks, returning to their true selves, and savoring the glowing spheres.

奥山民枝 was born in Joetsu City, Japan. Her work revolves around the connections between humanity, nature, and the universe. Despite being 78 years old, her curiosity about the world remains strong, and this curiosity is reflected in her works. Her sources of inspiration are diverse, including Chinese Song and Yuan dynasty landscape paintings, the designs of Spanish architect Gaudí, Western classical oil painting, and breathing techniques from natural therapies. Recently, her works have frequently featured the sun as a theme, showcasing her reverence for this important celestial body. In this interview, 奥山 shares more details about her creative process.

What kind of experience do you hope to bring to the audience at your first exhibition in Hong Kong? I hope people can re-examine the world they usually see, discover surprises and diversity within it, and release deep emotions in a fleeting moment. If my paintings can serve as a catalyst, that would make me very happy.

What is your impression of the Hong Kong art scene in recent years? I have only been to Hong Kong once, 53 years ago. I must admit I still feel unfamiliar with Hong Kong, so I look forward to visiting again and comparing it with my vague memories of the city.

In this solo exhibition, over 90 works are on display. Which ones are the latest creations? A series of floral paintings named “花千里 Hana Senri.” Recently, I learned much about the microscopic ecology of flowers, such as how they choose colors, how they prepare nectar, and their communication mechanisms. These discoveries fascinated me.

The core of my work lies in the connections between humanity, nature, and the universe. After a rich life experience, how do you view nature and the universe now? Since I was 13, I have been particularly sensitive to news about space and physics, and I began to think deeply about these topics. Recent debates around relativity and quantum theory have led me to feel that my identity is constantly changing. The three-dimensional universe originates from two-dimensional quantum codes, and the holographic world is the true universe. Dr. Maldacena from Princeton University explains this relationship through an equation. These topics have given me a wealth of imaginative moments.

For you, the competition to find exoplanets is one of the joys of exploring the universe. Experts from around the world are searching for planets like ours, and every time new news comes in, I feel a rush of excitement.

In your recent works, the sun has become a central theme; what is the reason behind this? This inspiration comes not only from my creative process but also from a sense of familiarity with the sun. The sun is a concrete and real presence, and I wish to dedicate my quantum and cosmic passion to it. Additionally, circular life forms seamlessly encompass everything, from basic particles to celestial bodies, and I hope it can become the sun in my works, symbolizing the life of the entire solar system.

I hope to regard the sun as the creation of my life. The sun I depict is alive and breathing, just like us.

You have had rich traveling experiences from a young age; is there any recent journey that impressed you? When I was three or four years old, my cousin told me, “You are standing on a round planet called Earth, and if you keep walking, you will return to your starting point.” This scene is deeply engraved in my mind, prompting me to explore the planet I was born on. Although I have visited many countries, what impressed me the most is that the Earth is much smaller than I imagined. When I first took a flight and saw the round Earth, realizing its smallness made me uneasy, as if I had lost my footing. Eventually, I fell in love with this planet, but I worry whether we truly cherish this small and unique Earth.

You experienced a low point in your artistic career in the late 1980s, and later a mysterious experience inspired you; could you briefly describe it? There was a time when I couldn’t paint because I felt my work was increasingly disconnected from my emotions and becoming false. One day, after many days of worry, I decided not to rely on painting for my livelihood anymore, but to express my emotions directly. If my life cannot gain support from it, then that’s okay! In an instant, everything around me became dreamlike; the wind blew past me, and I felt the gentleness of nature. Everything before me, including the clouds and the cat, seemed different, even artificial objects shimmered with light. This experience gave me a new answer and fundamentally changed my painting style, earning me important awards in Japan.

Finally, what advice do you have for young artists? I believe that sometimes it is beneficial to let go of thoughts and calculations that protect oneself, return to the original starting point, and let the inner voice guide you. Clean, pure, and without impurities.

奥山民枝's exhibition dates: From now until March 15, 2025, location: Sotheby’s flagship gallery on the 1st floor of the Chater House in Central.