Hotaru (火垂る): A World Beyond Wardrobe Series

 

Hotaru (火垂る): A World Beyond Wardrobe Series. 2023

In the gentle twilight of a summer evening, the ethereal dance of Hotaru, the fireflies, weave a tapestry of enchantment. It is in this delicate beauty that we find inspiration for our heartfelt exhibition. Through the art of upcycling, where discarded yukata, and traditional Japanese garments, are transformed into exquisite works of art, we seek to preserve not only the memories woven into these textiles but also the collective belongings of a cherished community.

These upcycled yukata become vessels of stories, whispered through the stitches of sashiko, an age-old technique passed down by farmers. We pay homage to the farming culture that has left an indelible mark on society in Kotogawa, a place intertwined with tradition and resilience. In the face of progress and the looming threat of wind "safe" energy development, which threatens to disrupt the fragile ecosystem of the fireflies' habitat, our art stands as a testament to the power of upcycling.

As we explore the artistry and mindfulness of upcycling, we become storytellers of memories, custodians of collective heritage. In each stitch, we encapsulate the essence of a village's soul, ensuring that its cultural treasures are preserved and celebrated. For in this preservation lies the recognition that collective memory holds profound importance. It is through the collective power of storytelling and art that we can ignite change, moving hearts and minds to safeguard the beauty and interconnectedness of our world.

Together, through the threads of mindful creation, we can kindle a flame of change that dances with the grace of hotaru, guiding us toward a more sustainable and harmonious world.