Nishiki Sugawara-Beda
Land connects us all.
This sentiment stems from my deep desire to engage with others and the world around me. To pursue this, I embarked on my own path to uncover the core of humanity—a place where I felt true connection with others could begin. As an artist and individual whose foundation and inspiration arise from tracing the roots of cultural and material origins, I am now delving into the concept of material embodiment in my work.
KuroKuroShiro, meaning black-black-white in Japanese, uses Japanese Sumi ink and positions landscape as a conceptual framework for the interior world—a sublime space where we might all connect. KuroKuroShiro+, a new series, foregrounds the materials from a specific place, including the state that I now call home. Materials from Texas and Japan speak quietly yet profoundly. Their dialogue takes center stage, visually showcasing a fusion of culture and materiality. I hope to invite viewers to experience this cultural conversation on an elemental, earthbound level.
