"Hanami 3" Painting

In 1985-1986 I spent six months in Japan. During my stay I participated in the buto dance-workshop Maijuku. This experience has been like planting a seed in my further development. The way Japanese people deal with the topic“nature-culture”had a big impact on me. The series “Hanami” (2011-2014) is inspired by the ritual of viewing and appreciating the cherry blossom. The works are made of oilpaint and self-made sepia paint on jute. The tsunami took place in 2011 while I was working on "Hanami 1". In "Hanami 2" no one is celebrating. "Hanami 3" takes place at the same location as "Hanami 1" and "Hanami 2". But in "Hanami 3", people are back, enjoying again the celebration. The painting is abstract and figurative at the same time. People don't seem to have a full individuality.