Artist statement for exhibition

The title of the exhibition is "Panta Rhei (everything flows)", in relation to my personal and heartfelt emotions about art, life, and the ever-changing world.

During the unpreceded pandemic that shook the world, I was also working on shaping the exhibition and theme. Although there were many struggles last year, I gained a lot from the experience. In the midst, I rediscovered the preciousness of human connection from the experience of observing those bonds fade, and that come what may, art is eternal. Art has been supporting me, and will continue. Over the past ten years, I have traveled the world and continue to draw my ephemeral thoughts.

In this exhibition, I am presenting the works that have built who I am presently, as a person, and as an artist. This show is a representation for my oeuvre and holistic practice as an artist. Upon reflection, I have been painting with fervor throughout my career, constantly thinking seriously about who I am. I have been in love, not conscious of where this indelible passion gushes.

I am very honored to have the opportunity to present these works to each of you at Yonago, my hometown where I was born and grew up, and Kyoto, where I was inspired to live as an artist. Having a traveling exhibition in these two locations is like going back to my origins, of which I am still connected to these places by the strings of fate.

I look forward to having the honor of your attendance at this exhibition.

――― Yukimasa Ida