The Healer - Truth Photograph - Limited Edition of 10

Taiyo Okamoto reimagines the traditional Japanese technique of chigiri-e to deconstruct and layer painted and textured paper into contemplative abstract patterns. Liberating the true self is his universal theme. What happens when we remove and let go of the heavy armors of identity and anxiety, and return to our unshakeable axis? Process becomes meditation; each paper sculpture a concrescence of time and the artist’s vital essence. Working across mediums, explorations of color theory, material-driven composition, the nature of water and documenting the transformation of his own body have led to several painting and photography series, as well as a digital fashion collaboration with the design team NauGhTed, that consider many of the same practices. Everything becomes an experiment in transmuting a tender reality. Taiyo Okamoto grew up by the ocean in Karatsu, Japan, where he often spent his childhood days twilighting on the seawall; dreamily gazing at the vast sky, crashing waves, and flying fish. He has lived in New York City since 2002. Taiyo’s art has featured in exhibitions in New York, London and Taipei. He appears in the film "HANAGATAMI" directed by legendary Japanese filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi.