メッセージ🦁『Leo』Message: Leo

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If I were to add something, I would like to note that my piece “Leo” contains many meanings that cannot be easily explained within the Creema app.

I previously published a blog about my work “Leo,” which is inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it also addresses the hidden issues of racism within Japanese society.

As someone who operates independently without being part of any organization, I believe I should be cautious about discussing sensitive topics. Nevertheless, I would like to share a bit here.

“Leo,” which deserves respect anywhere in the world, has succeeded in coexisting with the other. Due to the pandemic, many countries became isolated, leading to increased anxiety and prejudice toward external cultures and races. In this context, “Leo” emphasizes the necessity of confronting “difference.”

The savannah landscape and animals in the background symbolize the richness and diversity of nature, while also representing an ideal of multicultural coexistence within human society. It points out that racism in Japanese society is often less directly expressed compared to other countries and frequently exists in a latent form.

“Leo” visualizes this “invisibility” and sheds light on the hidden discrimination and prejudice, suggesting a new path toward coexistence and regeneration. It successfully conveys the message that, after going through difficult times, people need to seek coexistence with others from a new perspective.

What “Leo” always tells me is:

“Gaze upon the invisible. Strength is not merely power.”

Understanding how much we confront hidden issues like the racism lurking in Japanese society and the impact of the pandemic is extremely important. I hope you can appreciate that this understanding is what truly empowers us.

美術館のはなし12 Art Museum Story12

 Here’s an English translation of your blog post about the postcard featuring Kiyoshi Hasegawa’s work:

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I came across a postcard featuring the copperplate artist Kiyoshi Hasegawa, who lived in Paris.

This postcard was a souvenir from my visit to the museum. The title of the artwork is “The Disguised Fox,” inspired by a Finnish fairy tale. It certainly has a surreal atmosphere. The three great fairy tale traditions are said to be Aesop, Grimm, and Andersen, but I am not familiar with Finnish tales, so I won’t know what it’s about until I read it. However, since there’s a small house depicted, this fox must be quite enormous compared to the scale of the surroundings.

“I have been bewildered ever since I was born into this world.”

“What’s wrong, Mr. Fox?”

“Everything feels so small, and I can’t help but feel that way.”

“Oh? Everything, you say?”

“First, these houses, and the people living in them look tiny. I can’t even understand what they’re saying.”

“Well, look at your own size.”

“But my feelings are always much, much smaller than these houses.”

“Why is that?”

“Although I can see further than everyone else, when I look around the world, I see nothing at all. Truly nothing.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m afraid because I know that there is nothing in the world. I can’t understand why everyone gathers and seems to have fun.”

“That’s really sad.”

“Yes. So, I’m lost and alone.”

“Look at the falling dead leaves, Mr. Fox. For us, dead leaves are a disaster. The houses we’ve built might get destroyed because of them. If that happens, could you please use your large body to help us? If you pick one up and place it on a mountain somewhere, it will save our lives.”

“Does that mean I can work too? Well, that’s wonderful. I’ve always envied you.”

“Indeed! Together, we will nurture this world, and we are grateful to have you, Mr. Fox.”

“Come over here and warm yourself by the fireplace.”

The fox smiled, took off his hat, and sat down deeply in that spot.

I created this fairy tale on my own. It’s a fictional story, so please don’t take it too seriously! Since the artwork lacks color, I feel the urge to add some.

Kiyoshi Hasegawa passed away without returning to Japan from Paris, yet his unique works continue to be remembered and passed down through generations. While many Japanese people or Asians tend to yearn for Western culture, I feel that his paintings, which bear a hint of Japanese influence, convey that he never forgot his roots as a Japanese artist.

共同や協働について About collaboration and cooperation

The differences between values and common sense are also crucial elements, aren’t they? When dealing with a gathering of people from different positions, it may be best to abandon the expectation that everyone will understand each other. What does it mean to accept differing values?

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It’s necessary to consider where we can establish a shared foundation. This leads us to the question of what our common axis is. When differing opinions arise, that axis can be quite useful. While friction may occur, listening to others and exploring their thought processes behind their views can deepen collaboration.

Of course, having the minimum communication skills is a prerequisite. Failing to listen can lead to friction, just as not considering the other person’s perspective would.

Additionally, common sense changes over time and across contexts, so being flexible can benefit both ourselves and others. Clinging to fixed notions of what is “common” can hinder progress. Regularly updating our understanding based on necessity is a key point.

When practical application feels lacking, we should reflect on how to facilitate mutual understanding of the differences between values and common sense. Utilizing the shared axis that we’ve established as a team is essential.

Ultimately, while I may assert my perspective, I must also recognize that I do not work alone; I appreciate and consider those around me.

Thank you for reading! 😊