48 Pillars
Arc Studio Gallery
1246 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Exhibition Period: February 22 – April 5
Gallery Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 1–6 PM | Saturdays, 12–3 PM | or by appointment
Opening Reception:
Saturday, February 22, 7–9 PM
Artist Talk & Reception:
Saturday, March 29, 12–3 PM
I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year of the Snake.
Vital Energy — Rebirth and Revival
The Making of the Nihonga Painting of the Snakes
Snakes have long been revered as symbols of the earth's energy. In Japan, they are associated with deities of fertility, water, and prosperity. Across various cultures, snakes symbolize transformation and regeneration, with their shedding skin embodying the essence of renewal.
In this work, titled Vital Energy — Rebirth and Revival, I employed traditional Japanese Nihonga techniques to depict a serpent emerging within an aged yet timeless atmosphere. Alongside sumi ink, I used natural materials such as indigo, pure gold, yellow ochre, mineral pigments, coral powder, and gofun—a white pigment made from oyster shells. These pigments were carefully prepared with nikawa, an animal-based binder, and meticulously layered to create a symbolic representation rather than a realistic depiction of tropical colors.
You can also view the process of creating this artwork on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rNw0qfQckZk
I would be delighted to see you at the exhibition and share this work with you in person.
Warm regards,
Fumiyo Yoshikawa
