“untitled”

　While sculpting the figure of a drag queen while incorporating the shape of a Buddha statue, I saw the “demon” side contained within them. The demon referred to here does not simply mean “bad person,” and it is close to that of “visiting gods” and “rare people (rare)” that contain human-like humor within a heterogeneous and fearsome surface layer, and sometimes bring happiness.

　Therefore, they did field research on visiting gods from Tohoku, local performing arts, kagura, etc., and created works while searching for commonalities with Drag Queen.

　The purpose of this work is to perform by actually wearing it. Costumes and gear will be updated, with a focus on the head. At the same time, we will think about what kind of performances will be performed through interaction with traditional performing arts in the region and the people who perform them.

　I want to make it a work that will be built up together with people from various regions and generations, like traditional performing arts and local performing arts that were used as a reference.

(Performing arts used as a reference)

Oga's Namahage, Kitakami Demon Dance, Deer Dance (Taiko Dance), Hayaikemine Kagura, etc.

↑ [head] size: H.35 W.20 D.20 cm

　　　　　Material: camphor, lacquer, gold leaf, horsehair

↓ [full body] size: H.210 W.70 D.50

　　　　　Material: linen, shrine maiden hakama

　This work was created as something that can actually be worn and used for performances. You can wear it by putting your head on your head and putting on the costume part. The head uses materials (wood, lacquer, gold leaf, horsehair) that are also used in actual traditional performing arts. The shape of the face was created by referring to Kagura masks and demon masks.

　Starting with Oga no Namahage (visiting god), there have been many people with different shapes in Japan since ancient times who have come from other worlds. Most of them have a rough appearance or behavior, but they pay bad things or bring happiness. I felt the commonality between its existence and Drag Queen, and created this work as an entity like Drag Queen who has existed in Tohoku since ancient times.

　This work may look like the artist's own “Drag” who was born and raised in Tohoku.

We are doing field research on traditional performing arts and local performing arts, mainly in Tohoku. (↑ sketch)

I want to learn not only the details of form, structure, dance, and events, but also the climate of the land and relationships with people.

[Photos]

From the group exhibition hall

“ART GARDEN WINTER 2024” 　

Venue: Morioka Central Public Hall

Period: 2025.3