Aya Nomoto
'Fragile Armour' 2024, Calligraphy ink, Sumi ink, watercolour, on Japanese rice paper, 163cm x 179.5 cm x 20cm.
Artist statement
As cultures and identities collide, parts of the self are torn and patched up. This work explores the process of filling and uniting the voids of two disparate worlds when they are joined together. The work is an abstracted ‘self-portrait’ where contemplation of cultures, experience, and childhood are considered in materials and the making process. Due to the delicate nature of the material, as the paper tears and rips, the mending process is inspired by ‘Boro’, a traditional Japanese patchwork technique. Furthermore, another traditional Japanese technique called ‘Shibori’ is reflected in the dyeing process of the paper.
Acknowledgement of Country
UNSW School of Art & Design stands on an important place of learning and exchange first occupied by the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples.
We acknowledge the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land that our students and staff share, create and operate on. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples across Australia. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
