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Sumiko Seki

Place of birth Japan
Country of residence United Kingdom
Contact info@sumikoseki.com

In my recent work, I am interested in the process of creating imaginary landscapes, often inhabited by female figures. In these landscapes, the figures are often isolated, without the prospect of rescue or relief, reflecting our own search for morality or human emotion within an indifferent world. Being isolated from my own country, I have begun to focus my attention on my ancestor’s traditions and culture, starting with an increased awareness of my family’s religious background as Buddhists. I have also become curious about children’s literature, fairly tales and plays, as they often concern themes relating to the concept of mortality. Most of my work describes a scene where a female figure - often with hollowed eyes and an anaemic complexion - is captured alone in a timeless landscape. This evokes a surrealistic narrative with its sense of melancholy and absolute solitude. The concept of emptiness or the void is perhaps an influence here, as is the realisation of the fact that existence itself is perhaps merciless, dark and lonesome. The figures exist in a never-ending cycle of formation, death and re-birth, continuously declining and disintegrating.
The images of female figure are often derived from photographs. I carefully search through photographs to select my heroines. Her visual aspect is soon distorted, however, when I start to paint, altering the imaginary figure to reflect my feelings. These figures are often colourless and located in dream-like scenery from classic fairy tale illustrations. Occasionally, children’s luminous paper crafts and dolls become motifs in the work, contrasting starkly against the melancholy vistas beyond. This, perhaps, is an attempt to express an intricate personal mysticism.

Exhibitions Start Your Collection 2008!, 01.Aug - 20.Sep.08, Contemporary Art Projects, Start Your Collection 2007!, 01.Aug - 30.Sep.07, Contemporary Art Projects, Winter Exhibition, 18.Jan - 18.Feb.07, Contemporary Art Projects


www.sumikoseki.com

 

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