Asian bow
Asian bow, 2006, 30 x 40cm, acrylic and colored pencil
Do you know anything about Japan?
Samurai,aikido,temples,sushi... These are maybe some of the examples which may pop in your mind when you think about Japan. This project that attempts to explore one's identity through Spinoza's philosophy, was a great opportunity to reflect upon my own culture and my roots.
What is Japan?
Originally we Japanese cherish the traditional wisdom and minimalism as the principal of life. The four seasons and the traditional houses with paper walls are one of a few reasons that made Japanese people particularly sensitive to the changes of their surroundings. Through generations we have learned to come to terms with the nature, to accept, not to control, the way the nature is, and express our respects towards the spirits of nature through festivals and the customary worship. This brings us to the very point made by Spinoza, that “we human beings are all part of nature”. We are very familiar with this idea as well as the fundamental principles of human nature he emphasizes such as thankfulness, courtesy or moderation (definitions 34 and 43, Ethics III) . For example, Japanese greeting, bowing, has a symbolic meaning along this line. It is a gesture to give with no intention to receive anything in return. In a related point there is the concept called “Wabi” which can be understood as the fundamental and underlying concept of Japanese beauty. This concept was developed by the Japanese tea ceremony master, Senno Rikyu (19th century). Wabi signifies a state of peace and it condones lavishness. These elements are the key of my cultural roots.
Are you conservative or modern?
Nevertheless, it is difficult to experience this traditional beauty in the modern society in Japan. Through the past war period, we have achieved an economic miracle at the expense of the traditional virtues. In a rush to achieve more, we spend less time to reflect upon our cultural heritage. A growing number of young people don't see the importance of bowing or the traditional healthy Japanese way of life, causing a wide gap between those who treasure the traditional Japanese virtues and the way of life, and those who indulge themselves in a modern lifestyle.
Where do I go?
For the young generations, the future is promising, even if they do not understand the meaning of the bow or they do not appreciate the Japanese traditions. They are flexible and open towards new cultures and knowledge. They suggest that our identity is no longer bound with the small box of culture. So I enjoy Sushi as well as hamburgers! I position myself as a painter who believes in the beauty of human nature and I explore this idea through my works. While I get exposed to new groups of people and the way of life in different parts of the world, I reaffirm my identity and my roots. I presume that Spinoza too, would surely agree with my principles.
Rinko Kojima The Hague, 2006