Larch Party
2023
36 x 24”
Acrylic on wood

Larch Party is part of the series “Incongruity”. It is inspired by a translated quote from writer Kōtarō Isak. The quote—"Unique animals are being protected; unique people are being isolated"—resonated deeply, highlighting the complexity and contradictions inherent in human nature, mirroring the world around us. Often, uniqueness elicits avoidance rather than acceptance. 

The series began with seven paintings, including images such as a lone woman in a mountainscape, a blurred figure running toward a valley, and two figures set against an ambiguous backdrop. The creative philosophy does not aim to provide definitive answers; rather, it seeks to provoke thought about the nuances of truth and perception. Is the figure being consumed by the dark foreground, or is it running toward the bright valley? Are the wolves truly in the field, or is the field still within the room, therefore the wolves are in fact “in the room”?

The intention behind the "Incongruity" collection is not to advocate for the protection of uniqueness itself, but to stimulate contemplation on solitude, contrast, and the profound serenity that can emerge from embracing diversity and incongruity. The series culminates with Larch Party, using larches—the rare deciduous conifer—as a motif. This painting incorporates multiple figures, each with distinct gestures and identities, suggesting the conclusion of the series.

The series continues below.