“ Cultivation to reach Heaven ” 2017
drift woods 150x200x30 cm
Okabe Gen
1948: OKABE, Gen was born in Kurashiki, Okayama.
1971: Graduated from Aichi University of the Arts. He has been active as a contemporary artist.
The dome-shaped work (Tenjinyama Maze “Tenjin Catfish”) made of driftwood that can be found at the entrance of Tenjinyama Cultural Plaza in Tenjin-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City is one of Okabe’s signature works.
Where did this driftwood come from?
After decades, driftwood washed up on the seashore and turned into a work of art by Gen. As you trace the process back in your mind, you may realize that each piece of driftwood is a symbol of nature itself. The overwhelming power and gentleness of this driftwood work, which can be said to be a visualization of “life and time,” may be the artist’s own journey itself.
“The Night and the Fog” 2020
newspapers ink 108x238cm