Himena Kokufuta, “The Blue Dragon of Life”
September 21st – October 20th, 2024
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 21st, 6-8pm
Northport, NY– Haven Gallery is pleased to present a collection of ten new works from Japan based artist Himena Kokufuta entitled “The Blue Dragon of Life”, at Haven Gallery. “The Blue Dragon of Life” is Kokufuta’s first solo show at the gallery and features ten oil paintings of larger than life elemental dragons with their human familiars, as they live harmoniously without the blight of pollution and natural disasters. Dragons made of coral, trees and moss are protective deities that maintain the delicate balance of life and remind us of the importance and necessity of respecting and preserving the natural world.
About Himena Kokufuta
Born in 1994 in Ibaraki Prefecture.
Graduated from the Graduate School of Tohoku University of Art and Design in 2019.
Artist Statement
My work expresses the vitality of nature through the form of a dragon, using motifs such as coral and giant trees. I depict a world themed around “the connection between humans and nature,” which has been woven over many years.
The subjects of my work are the dragon god legends passed down in Japan. In Japan, dragons are revered as water gods, and legends are associated with various places such as rivers, lakes, and waterfalls in each region.
Since ancient times, Japan has experienced frequent water-related disasters, such as water shortages and river floods, leading people to pray to the dragon gods for help. Many stories are written about dragons and people helping each other.
Even today, water-related disasters occur all over the world due to climate change, and I feel that we are still plagued by natural disasters today and in the past.
All living things cannot survive without water, but I feel that in today’s scientifically advanced world, people are no longer aware of the fact that they are living with nature in their hurried daily lives.
In this exhibition, I will present ten works, mainly featuring pieces inspired by sea coral, depicting interactions between dragons and humans in the great outdoors. Coral and giant trees grow over long periods, purifying carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and quietly protecting the natural environment. These entities watch over us today, having witnessed countless encounters with many people.
Through my works, I hope to convey the mystical vitality of the natural world. I would be delighted if my art serves as an opportunity for people to turn their hearts toward nature.
– Himena Kokufuta
