Saya Okubo, “They”
I visited Saya Okubo’s solo exhibition “They.” The venue is WAITINGROOM.
The exhibition is arranged so that its route, beginning at the entrance, is guided by the fingers appearing on the picture planes of the “pointing” series.
Each individual work carries its own motif and meaning, but within this exhibition space they also function as signs (waymarkers).
This exhibition unveils a new series painted on corrugated plastic sheets (tin plate) used as the support. Drawing on phenomena such as the growing use of the singular “they” in English, the works explore the boundary between self and other in people’s images and sensations.
Where maybe there pointed was the backyard, and even there, two works were quietly on display.
The final work in the exhibition room is pointing finger (mirror).
Originally, this wall was not going to feature any work, but a piece based on drawings the artist made after a traffic accident was ultimately installed here. The accident was reportedly severe, and during her treatment, restricted in movement, she made mirrored drawings with her left and right hands.
The motif depicts her holding a pen in each hand, drawing mirror images of each other.
The work was installed with the meaning of ending by pointing to herself.
