karasu

【Shoe Shaped Sculpture Series】

Hamu Isen chose the shape of a shoe based on the idea that "feet are the point of contact with the world." Feet allow humans to stand on the ground, move, and directly interact with their environment. This perspective resonates with Buddhist and Zen philosophy. In Buddhism, the concept of pratītyasamutpāda (dependent origination) suggests that all things exist in mutual interrelation. Hamu Isen’s work transcends its physical form and serves as a symbol of the connection between humans and the world.

He envisions "water" as the mediator between opposing forces, such as "masculine and feminine principles," "order and chaos," and "motion and stillness." This sensibility can be seen as uniquely Japanese. Japan’s landscapes are highly influenced by humidity, and the interplay of water, air, and light creates a distinctive visual beauty. This aesthetic is closely related to traditional Japanese sensibilities, such as wabi-sabi and the appreciation of ambiguity.

He has also been exploring his own unique techniques. For over 20 years, he has developed a method that combines paint and clay, which, when carved after drying, creates a texture that resembles a surface enveloped in water. By expressing the fluidity and undulation of water in a tangible form, his works stimulate not only visual perception but also a tactile experience. His technique, which simultaneously conveys physical "hardness" and "softness," reflects the depth of his artistic exploration.

Hamu Isen’s "Shoe Shapes Sculpture" is not merely a shoe-shaped sculpture. It evokes multilayered meanings, including the connection between humans and the world, the harmony of opposing elements, and the memory of Japan’s humid landscapes. His unique technique, which incorporates water as a mediator, combined with his philosophical approach, invites the viewer to engage in a sensory, visual, and conceptual experience.

※This work can be displayed in two orientations: on the floor (shelf) or hanging on the wall.