《color beginning》acrylic paint, paper / 2 pictures pair (c)Courtesy of Taka Ishii Gallery

The “color beginning” (a pair of two paintings by contemporary artist Rei Naito) and a small wooden sculpture “Hito(=human)” are displayed in the library of Rakurado-an.

The “color beginning” series, which Naito has been working on since 2020, is a series of works created in an attempt to meet colors in a pure way, as far away from the artist’s consciousness as possible.The moment when colors appear on paper is the moment when “life” emerges from the world of “nyo=as it is” or “non-duality” in Buddhism, where all things are not “separated” from each other.The feeling that this “life” is not separated from the world of “nyo” fills the viewer with a quiet joy.The “Hito (facing towards hopes)” is quietly watching over us.In the past, Tonami’s traditional house, Azumadachi, had a space where the local community of faith, “ko,” would gather and a room with a buddhist altar. It contained within it a place that would lead to “awesomeness.”You can say that the “library,” where Naito’s works are exhibited, is the “hijiri (sacred) space” of the Rakudo-an.Her works lead the viewer’s consciousness to a “being beyond me”.

Rei NAITO (1961-   )  contemporary artist

Born in Hiroshima in 1961. Currently based in Tokyo.Graduated from Musashino Art University, Department of Visual Communication Design in 1985.In 1991, she attracted attention with “One Place on Earth,” which was exhibited at the Sagamachi Exibit Space, and in 1997, she exhibited the same work in the Japanese Pavilion at the 47th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale.Her works are based on the theme of “Is it a blessing to exist on earth in and of itself?Selected Solo Exhibitions:”Wait for a beautiful sunny day to come.” The National Museum of Art, Osaka, in1995“Being Called” Frankfurt Museum of Modern Art project, Carmelite Monastery, Frankfurt in1997“All animals exist within the world just as water within water.” The Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura in2009“Feelings of Faith” Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum in2014“Feeling of Faith” The Japan Cultural Institute in Paris in2017“Two Lives” Tel Aviv Museum of Art in2017“I can see yourself in the brighter on the ground.” Contemporary Art Gallery, Art Tower Mito, Ibaragi in2018“Creation that mirrors each other” 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Ishikawa in2020

Permanent Display“To this”  House project “Kinza” Kagawa in2001“Bokei/Matrix” Teshima Art Museum, Kagawa in2010