Kotaro Fukui’s work mainly focuses on ostriches, irises, and recently peonies. His
work addresses themes of nature, body, and Eastern spirituality. He paints
ostriches on Washi paper, canvas, kimonos, obis, ostrich eggs, and even on the
human body and motor vehicles. He also makes murals; he h... Read more
Kotaro Fukui’s work mainly focuses on ostriches, irises, and recently peonies. His
work addresses themes of nature, body, and Eastern spirituality. He paints
ostriches on Washi paper, canvas, kimonos, obis, ostrich eggs, and even on the
human body and motor vehicles. He also makes murals; he has painted the
inside of a curved tunnel a long line of ostriches walking, running, and gazing
intently at the viewer. His improvisational performances are inextricable linked to
the concepts of Zen philosophy. When he stands on the paper holding the ink,
and randomly drops the first gobs of ink. The form to come and where the lines
will go are unknown. He often says before the action” I am nervous, because, I
don’t know what the painting will eventually look like.” During the action, we
can only hear the heavy inhalation and exhalation of his breath along with
the rhythm of the music; then we will find the artist himself transformed into an
ostrich – he darts about like a bird and his movement draws the lines that form
the painting. It takes not more than half hour, and the audience invariably
enjoys the stunning performance art. There will be performances on March 6 at
4pm.
