Image of the work
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The worldview of the work
In this work, I poured raw emotion into the work through bold, flowing ink strokes, fusing expressionism with the narrative qualities of comic art. The contrast between the texture of the washi paper and the flowing ink creates tension and depth. I aimed to capture a profound story woven with passion and delicate strength, bring an energetic yet contemplative presence to the space, and create a work that will inspire you every time you look at it.
Behind the Scenes
This piece is a special one for me (MADARA), as it marked a major turning point for me.
As such, it serves as the origin of the concept.
In the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, I lost many relatives, cousins, and my home. Furthermore, the nuclear power plant explosion prevented me from returning to my hometown, and I was no longer able to put positive thoughts and wishes into my paintings and calligraphy.
Then, one day, a customer from Brazil visited the MADARA atelier.
This customer told me:
“I was moved by the beauty of your calligraphy after seeing it on your website, and I came all the way to your studio hoping that you would write something for me.
Your handwriting is truly magnificent. That’s why I would like you to paint something with themes of love and hope.
Your Japanese paintings are also very fascinating. I think more people should know about them.”
This customer had lived in New York for many years, but the love he longed for there was not there.
But in Japan, he found that love, the connections between people.
Those words struck me like a bolt of lightning.
I wanted to paint a picture of “love” that this customer could display in their home and bring joy to.
My paintings and calligraphy do not express just my own feelings.
They reflect someone else’s feelings through my existence.
This work made me realize that.
Written by: Hisseki-jutsu calligraphy artist MADARA
Kanji meaning
What does the kanji character ”愛(love)” mean?
- Fundamental Meaning
The desire to cherish, care for, protect, and nurture people and things. - Emotional Range
It broadly encompasses not only romantic and familial love, but also friendship, compassion, self-love, love of nature, and art,any warm feelings that respect others and do not expect anything in return. - Verb Nuance
In archaic Japanese, the word also had strong nuances of “cherish,” “cherish,” and “love,”
and had a more active and protective aspect than modern Japanese.
What is ”不滅愛(immortal love)”?
The painting and calligraphy together represent eternal love. Specifically, the following images overlap:
Work details
| 項目 | 内容 |
|---|---|
| Work-based | canvas |
| Main material | wood, hemp, Japanese paper |
| Size | F30 （910mm×727mm×25mm） |
| Materials used | Acrylic, ink |
| Finishing the work | The painting is done with acrylic paint on a canvas, then covered with Japanese paper, and finished with calligraphy using India ink. |
| Regarding domestic and international shipping | ・International shipping available: Ships via FedEx if no designated shipping company is specified. ・Domestic shipping in Japan: Ships via Yamato Transport if no designated shipping company is specified. |
| Packaging at time of shipment | We can also accommodate requests for packaging such as simple packaging and heavy-duty packaging, so please contact us for details. |
| Shipping | Decisions will be made in consultation with the buyer, such as using transportation suitable for art works and taking out insurance. |
| Compensation for works | The artwork will be delivered in the same condition as when it was sold. If you would like to purchase art insurance, we are happy to discuss this. |
| Payment Method | The payment amount is the artwork price plus shipping. Payment can be made by credit card. |
