MARIKO OKADA
Okada’s artworks utilize a method that recreates on canvas the characteristics of embroidery.
In this style, all record of life up to now–memories of daily life, every thought, all emotions–has been replaced with
color and become artwork. They take the form of the action of people making and accumulating memories over time.
Self to others, self to self, our existence lives within a connection to others, and is furthermore a bridge between
the past and the future. The embroidery expresses all of that and the feelings that always abide in it.
These works, which one might call “painting stitches,” are an attempt to go beyond the typical process of using paint
and brush. Unlike smooth brush strokes seen in painting, this involves a stronger and bolder movement–the desire
to physically break through and to create a continuous flow; the actual action of piercing the canvas with a needle;
the feeling of fingers shaking; the sounds that can be heard from this process.
The creations that this process yields bring an uneven relief of layers of colors, stitched one on top of the other.
And all of these elements flow together to present a beautiful and harmonious presence.
Each of Okada’s productions exist solely of themselves, but they also connect to each other. Therein exists the
individual and the connection to the outer. This work puts on canvas the importance of individuality and the idea that,
nevertheless, all things are connected.
Mariko Okada was born in 1987 in Tochigi, Japan. She studied at Joshibi University of Art and Design BFA and
graduated in 2010. Recent solo and group exhibitions include “Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong,” HKCEC, Wan Chai
Hong Kong (2013); “Young Artist Japan vol.5,” Tokyo Designers Week, Tokyo Japan (2012); “THE TIP OF EMOTION,”
Gallery Choukou, Tokyo Japan (2012); “okadamariko solo,” Atom CS Tower, Tokyo Japan (2012); and “SICF11:
Spiral Independent Creators Festival,” Spiral, Tokyo Japan (2010).
She received the Fumio Nanjo(director of the Mori Art Museum) Award in the SICF11 (2010).
Okada lives and works in Kanagawa, Japan.