“The Power to Rediscover the Value of Tradition, from a Perspective of Beauty”
Curator of the State Hermitage Museum
Aleksey Bogolyubov
The works by Shinonome not only express beauty, but also dignity, sorrow, and most of her works give off a unique sorrowful aura. While I have an impression that many Japanese artists are adept at delicate expression, Shinonome especially seems to have a strong commitment to extremely detailed portrayal. She adores embroidery, as if the technique turns into an act. I strongly felt the passion and the time she put in to her works. This work of art is perfected with her unique “sense of beauty” at bottom.
What I felt from the works by Shinonome in common are the spirit of “Wabi Sabi” (beauty within simplicity and serenity that comes with age), sophisticated atmosphere, and something like the depth and the way of thinking in Western art. They especially remind me of the style of Art Nouveau which dominated Europe in the end of 19th and 20th century. By weaving threads complexly, she expresses her works using ample curves as if water runs. Not only Japanese viewers, but also viewers overseas are attracted by her style.
Shinonome’s works are generally in harmony and well-organized, by using motifs such as nature and classic literature. Animals and plants portrayed influence each other, sometimes as decorative elements, and sometimes as components that involve poetical meaning. Especially pieces that use silk textile as a canvas, combine traditional motifs and new idea. If you closely take a look at the stitches, you will realize the richness of the colors. Her works are finely finished as a whole, because the details are highly perfected. On top of that, how she present them as if they float in nature or the waterfront is such a wonderful idea. They are almost like magnificent installation art. From her works, I got an inspiration of unchangeable language such as “changing of nature,” and “human life and death.” Multiple themes in order to live, such as being alive, life, and time, are created like a poem. Birds are especially impressive among the motifs, because they are a symbol of soaring, and a symbol of freedom that cannot be restricted in any circumstances. These themes match Shinonome’s elegant style perfectly.
The use of circles is another outstanding aspect of Shinonome’s works. Circles were adored by great artists as well, because they are eye-catching, stand as a symbol of harmony, serenity, and unity. They were especially popular among maestros from the Renaissance period. Shinonome seems to have the same sense, with deep understanding of the meaning of circles. For example, while the piece “Thoughts on a Rare Moon From The Tale of Bamboo Cutter -Blue Moon-” is composed with a focus on beautiful blue, the magnificent moon imprints on our eyes, by existing as a circle. Every motif in the piece “Thoughts on a Rare Moon From The Tale of Bamboo Cutter -Clouds of Flowers-” is also a circle. Even the peony blooming, and the woman wearing “Junihitoe” (twelve layered ceremonial kimono), give us a feeling of anticipation as if a small tale begins within these circles.
The reason why I have expressed Shinonome’s works as “installation” beforehand, is because though she uses subject matter of classic literature and traditional themes, her works can be considered modern art. Tradition often have old-fashioned, unsophisticated sides, however with respect to the spirit of “Shozen Keigo” (enlightening the future with inheritance of the past), Shinonome’s sense of beauty is something special, transforming tradition into sophisticated art. Finding “beauty” within sparkles in ordinary life, familiar nature, and inherited tales, she embodies them in her works. I feel that she values the inner beauty that comes out from the inside. Her biggest charm is not to wear jewelry or gorgeous dress, but her power to rediscover the value of tradition as a special existence from a perspective of beauty.
“The Power to Rediscover the Value of Tradition, from a Perspective of Beauty”
Curator of the State Hermitage Museum
Aleksey Bogolyubov
The works by Shinonome not only express beauty, but also dignity, sorrow, and most of her works give off a unique sorrowful aura. While I have an impression that many Japanese artists are adept at delicate expression, Shinonome especially seems to have a strong commitment to extremely detailed portrayal. She adores embroidery, as if the technique turns into an act. I strongly felt the passion and the time she put in to her works. This work of art is perfected with her unique “sense of beauty” at bottom.
What I felt from the works by Shinonome in common are the spirit of “Wabi Sabi” (beauty within simplicity and serenity that comes with age), sophisticated atmosphere, and something like the depth and the way of thinking in Western art. They especially remind me of the style of Art Nouveau which dominated Europe in the end of 19th and 20th century. By weaving threads complexly, she expresses her works using ample curves as if water runs. Not only Japanese viewers, but also viewers overseas are attracted by her style.
Shinonome’s works are generally in harmony and well-organized, by using motifs such as nature and classic literature. Animals and plants portrayed influence each other, sometimes as decorative elements, and sometimes as components that involve poetical meaning. Especially pieces that use silk textile as a canvas, combine traditional motifs and new idea. If you closely take a look at the stitches, you will realize the richness of the colors. Her works are finely finished as a whole, because the details are highly perfected. On top of that, how she present them as if they float in nature or the waterfront is such a wonderful idea. They are almost like magnificent installation art. From her works, I got an inspiration of unchangeable language such as “changing of nature,” and “human life and death.” Multiple themes in order to live, such as being alive, life, and time, are created like a poem. Birds are especially impressive among the motifs, because they are a symbol of soaring, and a symbol of freedom that cannot be restricted in any circumstances. These themes match Shinonome’s elegant style perfectly.
The use of circles is another outstanding aspect of Shinonome’s works. Circles were adored by great artists as well, because they are eye-catching, stand as a symbol of harmony, serenity, and unity. They were especially popular among maestros from the Renaissance period. Shinonome seems to have the same sense, with deep understanding of the meaning of circles. For example, while the piece “Thoughts on a Rare Moon From The Tale of Bamboo Cutter -Blue Moon-” is composed with a focus on beautiful blue, the magnificent moon imprints on our eyes, by existing as a circle. Every motif in the piece “Thoughts on a Rare Moon From The Tale of Bamboo Cutter -Clouds of Flowers-” is also a circle. Even the peony blooming, and the woman wearing “Junihitoe” (twelve layered ceremonial kimono), give us a feeling of anticipation as if a small tale begins within these circles.
The reason why I have expressed Shinonome’s works as “installation” beforehand, is because though she uses subject matter of classic literature and traditional themes, her works can be considered modern art. Tradition often have old-fashioned, unsophisticated sides, however with respect to the spirit of “Shozen Keigo” (enlightening the future with inheritance of the past), Shinonome’s sense of beauty is something special, transforming tradition into sophisticated art. Finding “beauty” within sparkles in ordinary life, familiar nature, and inherited tales, she embodies them in her works. I feel that she values the inner beauty that comes out from the inside. Her biggest charm is not to wear jewelry or gorgeous dress, but her power to rediscover the value of tradition as a special existence from a perspective of beauty.