"Arthur's seat over Northumberland Coast" Painting

The morning sky, its pink hues at dawn, connects us across time. Has it inspired the same emotions in others over thousands of years? Sorrow, joy, adoration—what feelings remain universal? Since 2002, I’ve sought to explore these shared human experiences through my art, using insects as a motif for their ubiquity and connection to place.

In London (2002), I painted flies; in Berlin (2010), bees; and in Vietnam (2016), dragonflies. Each insect reflects the environment at the time. My process involves drawing insects inside a transparent box canvas over a week. What began as a focus on painting has evolved into a deep interest in audience interaction.

During an artist-in-residence program, I talked about my method, the symbolism of insects, and the white clothing I wear, reminiscent of protective suits from the Fukushima disaster or the COVID-19 pandemic. These dialogues became integral to my practice, sparking questions about meaning, environment, and connection.

As environmental issues grow more urgent, I see my work as a gentle prompt for reflection. Through painting and performance, I aim to foster meaningful exchanges with strangers, encouraging them to consider the world differently. My art is not about providing answers but about raising questions, passively yet purposefully, hoping to inspire thought, dialogue, and perhaps change.

Tamaki Kawaguchi 2025