Renowned Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota’s solo exhibition, "The Soul Trembles," opened in Beijing on Saturday, bringing her poetic artistry to the Chinese capital for the first time.
Hosted at the Red Brick Art Museum, the exhibition is characterized by Shiota’s use of threads to create surreal, immersive spaces that evoke and express deep human emotion. These striking installations are signature elements of her latest solo show.
Together, the works on display form a profound exploration of "existence." Tracing her artistic evolution from her early years, the exhibition highlights Shiota’s shift from canvas painting and performance art to large-scale installation art.
Born in Osaka in 1972, the Japanese artist reflects on her childhood dreams. Her inspiration often stems from personal experiences and emotions, which then evolve into universal themes of life, death, and relationships.
"My life is like art. I had cancer two times, and this kind of illness is also connected with my art. When I had my daughter, all parts of my life are connected with my art," said Shiota.
By collecting ordinary objects such as shoes, keys, chairs, and dresses, and weaving them into thread structure, she has redefined the concept of memory and consciousness.
"The thing is like [a] human relationship. The relationship is sometimes all tangled, losing… it’s a readout of my feeling," said the artist.
In addition, the exhibition’s distinct Eastern aesthetic incorporates traditional Chinese elements, aiming to create a deeper resonance with local audiences.
"In fact, this time, we have incorporated many Chinese elements into the exhibition, such as Chinese culture, connotations, philosophy, and religion. It is an international endeavor," said Yan Shijie, curator of the Red Brick Art Museum.
The solo show also captivates many young visitors, inviting them to explore the meaning of existence through an artistic tunnel of time.
"I'm very happy because so many younger people came to my show. They want to take selfies and photos, then they stay in the exhibition place for a very long time. They learn about my work and they want to learn more about my work. This makes very happy," said Shiota.
Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota's exhibition opens in Beijing
