Ribbon art that combines charm intricately intertwines
Wearing the unique colors of Tohoku

In August 2023, Sendai PARCO celebrated its 15th anniversary since its opening. On the occasion of the memorable anniversary, a special exhibition by Non-san was planned to further excite Tohoku. The highlights of this time are new works that fuse her art and historical traditional Tohoku crafts. Based on a design sketch that combines a ribbon and a Japanese pattern, which are important motifs for himself, craftsmen breathed life and cut off a classical yet modern new frontier.

——Please tell us your impressions of the collaboration with traditional crafts in Tohoku.

We were together with the Kokeshi doll Lighthouse, which is based on Tsugaru Kokeshi doll in Aomori Prefecture, and Akabeko in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. Kokeshi doll I put a ribbon pattern on the lantern, but I was conscious of being able to interact well with traditional Japanese patterns such as peony flowers, dragonflies, and daruma, which are often used in Tsugaru Kokeshi doll. By combining ribbons and Japanese tastes, we aimed to create a true "combination." When I handed the design, I was told, "If you draw with the touch of a craftsman's brush, the motif like a ribbon will not be Western at all", and what it means, how it will be finished, until it is completed! Kokeshi doll's expression was left to the craftsmen, except for the request to make each one different, so I think this is also a point where you can feel coexistence with tradition.

Shows a variety of expressions depending on how you capture them.
Possibility of a material called a ribbon

——What kind of thing is a ribbon for you?

The ribbon is a very important motif. There are images such as symbols of cute things and ornaments, but when viewed as art, it looks like creatures and emotions come up. If you express dark things with cute ribbons, you will have a unique taste. It's interesting to change the expression depending on the fabric, such as satin, lace, organji, and I like the place that seems to be inconsistent and familiar.

——Did you have any changes in the way you perceive the ribbon in yourself?

Basically, it doesn't change. It is interesting to see that the symbol of cute things becomes a complex expression that makes it feel comfortable, dark, or scary. Ribbon art is not only cute, but also because various charms overlap, the way of receiving it spreads infinitely, so I really like it. However, this time, by collaborating with traditional crafts, I realized that "the ribbon goes well with the charm of Japanese," so I think it has been added a new range.

What I want to pursue is a sense of instinct.
The strength and danger that both extreme charm coexist are beautiful

——Where do you get inspiration from your creations?

I value emotions that I like, tickle my five senses and move my skin sensations. Skin sensation is something important in acting.……When I looked up on the Internet, I explained that "the sensations that are accepted and perceived by receptor cells that exist in sensational points such as tactile, pain, warmth, and coldness" (laughs). That's why it's a bit different from the "five senses." It's not a direct action, but I want you to have an experience where you can be moved and connect somewhere and your skin sensation moves.

——It may be a feeling close to the instinct part from my heart. How long have you been aware of that?

I think I'm conscious of art from the beginning. I'm attracted to what makes me feel uncomfortable or scary, but I think it's something attractive. The beginning of the ribbon art was based on the image of a flock of butterflies sticking to the tree. Some people say, "I feel uncomfortable and can't see it," and others say, "It's beautiful." It's interesting to see both extremes like that, so I hope you can receive it with each person's sense. You may think it's scary, or you may think it's pretty or cute. In that way, I like to become more multifaceted.

I am impressed by the great energy of the land and people.
If you find time, go to Tohoku, which you don't know yet.

——The ribbon also has a fancy charm. If you can use magic now, what kind of power do you want?

Moving moment! It's nice to have such a magic that you can come to Sendai in a second from your home. I like the Tohoku Shinkansen, so it's hard to throw it away, but recently I'm interested in traveling, so it's nice to go to various places in Tohoku instantly.

——Have you ever had a moment when your heart was moved recently?

Morioka Sansa Odori Festival in Iwate. People in Iwate really like it. I've seen deer dance in Tono and the Kuji Autumn Festival in Iwate, but I've never seen Sansa Odori Festival. A lot of people walk while dancing in blocking the four lanes, but corporate employees, college students, unions and organizations that inherit the traditional dance of the city--a variety of people dance. It's so cool to dance. The fact that a large number of people progressed by blocking the road was a masterpiece, and it was staggered. Until then, I was watching live distribution while talking to people around me, saying, "I know this, but I've never seen it raw." That's finally come true. However, I was looking forward to seeing Miss Sansa Odori Festival, which I found in the distribution, but just behind the seat was a pond and a forest, so when I bought an insect repellent spray saying, "I'm stuck by a mosquito!" So next time, I would like to visit again so that I can see him.

 

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