Natsuki Urushihara

I create my work with emphasis on entertainment nature of art that is founded on "stories" as well as on creation of visual images that are mentally stimulating.

"Stories" are expressed by fully utilizing unique decorative style, playfulness and aesthetic selectiveness inherent in Japanese DNA. By reintroducing certain symbolic objects or scenes in paintings, I present my stories as the mirror image of reality laced with fascinating riddles and metaphors.

In working with 3-D pieces, I use the glowing effects of metal foils and mineral pigments to create an atmosphere where profound spiritual depth normally associated with Buddhist paintings can be felt. Influenced by the spirit and teachings of Rimpa - a school of aesthetics that included many of prominent artists of the Edo period - that emphasize visual delights, I am determined to establish and further advance relationship between two images (one being the mirror image of the other) in a visually arousing manner.

I believe visual expressions that appeal to the very basic human senses are what we need in today's chaotic society. It's this kind of ideas that form my creative core.