As you all know, we have been facing a constant stream of “3/11” related news continuing even today, and profound sorrow over the Great Tohoku Earthquake lies deep in our hearts. I will never forget this experience for the rest of my life.
Using various means, Japanese artists have been attempting to respond to issues exposed by the earthquake. Some have made alterations to their existing attitudes, and others have brought about paradigm shifts to what they were planning to create. Since that day, a wide variety of statements has been made public by our artists all over the country.
From the viewpoint of my long career of artistic practice, I feel quite secure in declaring that my creations made in the 2011-12 period can be valued as highly significant, meaningful works of art.