Existenzmetapher - Moving Pictures

Mayuko Kanazawa explores Martin Heidegger's "Phenomenology of Dwelling" in her work.

Among other things, she uses sheep herds as a metaphor for human existence.

She combines hand-drawn animation with projections and sound, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in her dreamlike world.

A more recent piece utilizes the facial recognition feature of the iPhone, drawing the viewer directly into the image.

The artist herself on her work:

When a person moves along a dark, narrow path, they enter a world that offers protection and security for their existence. And a distant memory sings longingly: life begins unnoticed, amidst a gentle warmth infused with emotions.

"People must primarily learn to dwell." For those of us who are dissatisfied, endlessly craving stimulation and allowing ourselves to be driven into constriction, philosopher Heidegger advises returning to the origins. We, who have lost our homeland, could be described as seekers of a grounding anchor. When we observe how seemingly lesser creatures build their nests with such seriousness, we also feel the gentle warmth that emanates from this act.

Time takes hold of us and removes this and that. Yet what allows us to continue "in the here and now" is that gentle endeavor, nourished by boundless longing.

If you are also on a journey, I would like to ask you to support those seemingly lesser creatures: to thoughtfully contribute to that unique nest, a gathering place for compassion and sympathy, here, amidst this nest called Earth.