Wind God and Thunder God

Canvas fabric (linen), Unryū-shi (cloud-patterned hemp paper), gold leaf, silver leaf, platinum leaf

Inspired by Tawaraya Sōtatsu’s national treasure, *Wind God and Thunder God Folding Screen*, this diptych expresses the harmony of nature and the philosophy of yin-yang through the contrast between the Wind God and Thunder God. Influenced by my grandfather, a collector of ancient artifacts, I embraced weathered textures as an aesthetic ideal, developing the unique “rusted foil technique” to give silver leaf an aged, patinated texture, embodying the beauty of wabi-sabi. 

Sōtatsu pioneered the *tarashikomi* ink-dripping technique and founded the Rinpa school. Similarly, this work seeks new expressions, using the rusted foil technique to imprint traces of time and expand the boundaries of contemporary art. The radiant gold leaf reflects clouds to symbolize light, while the jet-black background and rusted silver leaf create shadow. Traditional Japanese painting materials vividly highlight the deities, evoking their vitality and hope within the shadows. 

Infused with an oriental-modern style influenced by Middle Eastern culture, this piece blends cultural fusion with philosophical depth through the themes of time, light, and shadow, aiming to inspire visual awe and quiet contemplation in viewers by capturing the power and beauty of nature.