Shinji Ohmaki : Tree of Life

Mind Set Art Center has launched the first large-scale exhibition in Taiwan by contemporary Japanese artist Shinji OHMAKI, entitled "Tree of Life". In this exhibition, OHMAKI uses the sprawling tendrils of tree vines to represent the Tree of Life, transforming the symbolic imagery into branching patterns resembling human blood vessels. The artist employs unique Taiwanese plant symbols as conceptual expressions, and utilizes two important creative materials - trees and flower fabrics - to express the unique cultural ideology and spiritual essence of human existence in Taiwan. OHMAKI uses a pine tree, a symbol of vitality, as the trunk, and tears strips of Taiwanese and Japanese flower fabrics into willow-like branches to demonstrate the interaction of cultures, symbolizing the hope for the future tied to the Tree of Life. The artist also hand-paints Taiwanese flower varieties onto wall branches with colored pigments, interpreting the blooming of the flowers of civilization. Furthermore, OHMAKI a chooses three Taiwanese driftwood pieces, peels off the decayed outer layer, and pastes flower fabric patterns onto them, expressing the inner beauty of humanity and gratitude towards Taiwan for its aid during the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. This exhibition not only strengthens the connection between the exhibition and Taiwan's land, but also portrays a vibrant life force and cultural heritage, as well as concerns for the coexistence of humans and nature and celebrates the diverse colors of human civilization that have blossomed throughout history, with the hope for a better future.

"Tree of Life: Substance" is a new series developed by the artist based on traditional Taiwanese fabric in the "Echoes- Crystallization" series, as well as new works combining natural stones. The imagery of Tree of Life is further materialized and continues the vine imagery from the flat surface, paying tribute to civilization and looking back at the world. In the gallery space of Mind Set Art Center, the artist reflects on the grace of nature and explores the origin of life. After experiencing the most severe tsunami crisis in Japan in 2011, OHMAKI, who has always been concerned about ecology and natural issues, became more actively involved in some projects to rebuild the area, collaborating with spatial architects. The main theme of the creation project still revolves around these two major themes of life and nature, and the artist hopes that what we have lost or been forced to disappear in the huge destruction can become a symbol of hope for us to coordinate and coexist with nature again. In the exhibition space of "Tree of Life: Substance" a huge circle resembling the moon is depicted. The artist sketches floral totems and sprinkles natural pigments on handmade Japanese Washi paper made by a national treasure paper maker, reflecting microscopic world elements through light reflection and conveying a grand cosmic view. The artist also conveys a metaphysical perspective and consciousness with a gentle, quiet language, using tangible and beautiful patterns to capture abstract concepts and express a delicate and moving artistic form and energy.