Dragon Presence
Since my 2015 solo exhibition "sequence dragon," I have increasingly used dragons as a subject. Though dragons are not considered to be real, they appear in myths and beliefs around the world, and have taken on a life of their own in people's imaginations. "They do not physically exist, but many people recognize them in common" - in this sense, I believe that thoughts, concepts, common sense, and rules are also related to this. At times, these things limit and attack us, and at other times, they continue to accompany us, serving as a driving force for creativity and emotional support. Their appearance, with neither their beginning nor their end, remains unclear.
In society, we share common perceptions of many things with others. We can point to one thing together with others and confirm our understanding of what substance or phenomenon it is. However, even if we share some commonalities, our impressions and analyses of that substance or phenomenon will not be exactly the same. How we feel and how we act based on that feeling are personal to us. Only you can observe your own "dragon."
In a world where we are constantly exposed to all sorts of "others" and "stories," the "dragon" that dwells within each of us continues to shake our hearts, leading us to pursue the "right answer," "success," and "ideal happiness." However, the future does not yet exist, and the past is already gone. Other people's success belongs to others. All we truly have is "ourselves, right now, in this moment." What we have now is all we have. If that's the case, then isn't "being in this state right now" "perfect," no matter how shaken we may be?
Which of the following is "me"? The me who thinks about my ideals, or the me who fails to carry them out. I don't remember where this complexity arose.
And then, in the next step, how will I use this complexity, or where will this complexity take me?
When I'm with my family, at work or school, or alone. "I" shouldn't change, but my behavior changes just like changing clothes. Is my bare appearance my true self? Somewhere along the way, I've developed the value of "being myself now."
Imaginations, thoughts, concepts, common sense, rules, and so on are inseparable from our lives. They can be constraints and obstacles, but they can also inspire and guide us. In such cases, it may be that people themselves are indirectly guiding us.
Standing on an island shaped like a dragon. A land shaped by ideas and protected by ideas. What kind of world will it become? The pine trees that grow on the island symbolize immortality and longevity, and are also said to be the "residence of the gods." Will the gods descend on this island soon, or are they already there?
There are many cultures and environments, and each individual has something different. How they are all connected may depend on imagination and concepts. The dragon acts as a bridge between us. It can change its form. In search of a better form.
With these two newly developed eyes, we can see things that our previous eyes could not see. The dragon, a symbol of the ideas and thoughts created by humans, will never disappear from our side. Even while sandwiched between the dragons, we aim to transcend past ideas and thoughts.
Bamboo gracefully deflects strong winds. What if our own thoughts and feelings could also maintain the same gentleness and flexibility, swaying as the wind blows? Perhaps the time spent being loosened by the wind would be a time of peace. And the bamboo would once again grow tall and straight. Towards the sky.
A circle with no beginning or end. When imagination, thoughts, and mental states reach a single completion, the dragon is arranged in the shape of a ring. Undisturbed and unbiased. The mind is calm and clear, like a clear mirror.
I sometimes wonder if thoughts, actions and ideas, can ever disappear. If that were to happen, how would I exist? Is that even possible? The "dragon" has been with me since I was born. I have a hunch that what is needed to put an end to it is not physical force.
Is it only the "dragon" that can kill the "dragon"?
I wonder where the dragon ends up.
