【Review】by Yushi Akimoto, Director of the Nerima Art Museum
"Inner World - Daylight," a metal craft piece using alloys such as silver, copper, or shibuichi. This outstanding piece employs the inlay technique, which uses different metals to form patterns. The shape is box-like, consisting of an inner box and an outer box, with the structure representing the theme of "Inner World."
In fact, there is another piece titled "Inner World - Night," which pairs with "Daylight." In contrast to the bright silver tones of "Daylight," "Night" features a darker color scheme based on copper. "Night" is also about twice the size of "Daylight." Considering the titles and formats of the pieces, they are better understood as a pair.
As the titles suggest, "Inner World" refers to the world view revealed when the box is opened. By separating the world with the outer box and the world with only the inner box, it symbolizes the inner and outer worlds, or the duality of reality and imagination, and the two sides of things. The state of the inner box alone is called the "Inner World," and as the title indicates, it depicts a kind of psychological landscape. The outer box resembles a rock, representing a hard or unchanging world, while the inner box is filled with colorful plants, symbolizing a world brimming with vitality.
The artist's skill is evident not only in showcasing the charm of the traditional inlay technique but also in elevating this technique to express their worldview.