TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Japanese contemporary artist Ohmaki Shinji invites viewers on a cosmic journey with his latest solo exhibition, "Revolution and Rotation," at Mind Set Art Center until Nov. 8.
Inspired by his wife's skiing accident, the exhibition explores themes of loss, resilience, and human relationship complexities. Titled "Revolution and Rotation," the exhibition reflects the cosmic cycles of nature and the personal upheavals he experienced.
Drawing inspiration from Camille Claudel's iconic sculpture "The Waltz," Ohmaki delves into the complexities of human connection. The rotating dancers in Claudel's work seem isolated from the outside world, creating a sense of disorientation and tension between the individual and their relationships.
Ohmaki's stunning centerpiece the "Waltz" series echoes this theme, exploring the blurred lines between self and other and the impact of human connection. Fifteen brass plates suspended in the center of the hall bear imprints of rock textures from the intertidal zone.
These textures, formed by the ebb and flow of waves, capture the fleeting nature of time and memory. As viewers stand before the plates, their own reflections become distorted, inviting contemplation on the illusions of reality and the power of perception.
Another highlight is "Echoes: Crystal Project." Using correction fluid and crystal powder, Ohmaki creates delicate and intricate depictions of endangered flowers on spheres.
These installations, varying in height, create a visually striking effect and evoke a sense of loss and fragility. The pale and elegant flowers hint at death, reminding viewers of the preciousness of life and the importance of ecological conservation.
The "Bubbles of Sensation: Drifting Fragments" series offers a more playful exploration of the human psyche. Inspired by the simple act of chewing gum, Ohmaki examines the subtle and often unconscious ways we interact with our surroundings.
The chewed gum becomes a metaphor for the internal conflicts, subconscious thoughts, and ineffable energies that shape our experiences.
Ohmaki Shinji's latest solo exhibition takes place in Taipei. (Taiwan News, Lyla Liu video)