平野淳子

Hirano Junko

I create artworks by seamlessly blending traditional Japanese techniques such as washi (Japanese paper), haku (gold leaf), unmo (mica), and urauchi(lining) with digital methods.

In 2015, an encounter with the remains of the demolished National Stadium became the catalyst for my theme called “Genius Loci” *. I delve into the history of that land, imprinting images that evoke both the present and distant future onto ultra-thin washi paper. Not only does this layering process capture the historical events associated with the site, but it also weaves in the technical history of the artistic methods employed.

The land itself connects to the of ancient Musashino (the eastern area in Tokyo), memories of war, and the delicate interactions between trees, birds, and ephemeral activities of the people.

In this day and age, where new disasters such as Covid-19, the war in Ukraine, and the climate change are occurring one after another, and where the world situation is vividly transmitted through the internet, I find myself contemplating the entire planet, fearing retaliation from the natural world, and deeply concerned about the future.

*Genius Loci derives from the Latin words “Genius” (the guardian spirit of a place) and “Loci” (place).