Using natural landscapes as symbols of time, the works focus on the profound connections between time, memory, and nature. Through the application of unique textures, the artist imbues each piece with vitality and, from a distinctive perspective, explores the deeper meanings of memory and the passage of time. The creative process skillfully layers materials and employs rich brushwork, preserving the immediate traces of the artist's hand on the canvas. The result is a sense of flowing memory, as if each stroke recounts a fragment of time, forming a unique visual language imbued with movement.

"The Present as Memory" — A New Perception of Time

The title of this solo exhibition, The Present as Memory, originated from a casual conversation the artist had with a friend: "Why is the present also memory?" This question prompted a deeper reflection. The interplay of "present" and "memory" can be seen as a way humans experience time: every present moment immediately becomes a memory. This cycle renders time like an endless river, ever-flowing yet carrying traces of the past. Philosopher Martin Heidegger (1889–1976), in Being and Time, introduced the concept of Dasein, examining the relationship between time and existence. Heidegger posited that human existence is finite and temporality lies at the core of experience; past, present, and future are not separate but collectively shape our understanding of self and world. The elements of the world themselves form a naturally synthesized structure, interconnected through Dasein. In this light, Masako Kinoshita's stream-of-consciousness creations not only express temporality but also represent a profound pursuit of the authentic self.

Initially, Kinoshita felt puzzled by this concept but gradually came to understand that this coexistence reflects her most recent experiences of the past. Past, present, and future no longer exist as a linear sequence but overlap in a single moment. She treats this convergence and continuity of time as a precious gift, carefully capturing and recording it.

"Mirror of Water" — An Exploration of the Inner Self

Kinoshita often uses landscapes and seasonal changes to convey her understanding of time. She recalls, for instance, a rainy morning: "I sat by the window watching the rain and suddenly felt that I was the rain." In that instant, the boundary between herself and nature seemed to dissolve, merging with mountains, rivers, and roads. In her paintings, natural elements bear the traces of time—shooting stars streak across the sky, gentle breezes stir the grass, and roads extend into the distance—all symbolizing the marks left by time. These symbols are not merely scenic motifs but expressions resonating with temporality. This insight has granted Kinoshita unprecedented creative freedom, enabling her to express her perception of time and nature with purity.

Kinoshita also draws inspiration from the poet Rumi's line: "Let the water settle, and you will see your moon and stars within it." She hopes her paintings function as mirrors—not only reflecting the simplicity and flow of nature but also allowing viewers to perceive their own time, encouraging introspection and reflection on personal experiences of time and memory. The deliberate use of negative space and visible brushstrokes creates "open spaces" that are more than visual gaps—they are pauses in the flow of time, offering viewers room for personal interpretation. The interaction of these spaces and colors forms a "still flow," simultaneously conveying continuity and the tranquility of the present.

"Materials and Traces" — A Delicate Rendering of Temporality

In her choice of materials, Kinoshita favors those that emphasize texture. Using sand-based layers over canvas and hemp fabric, she applies paint with palette knives and brushes, leaving rich, multi-layered surfaces. These textures are not merely technical; they embody time itself. Each stroke becomes a symbol of temporal flow, allowing light and color to shift with perspective. Viewers experience these works as though peering through layers of memory, observing the passage of time. Each painting carries a silent weight of temporality, where the interplay of vision and illusion renders static landscapes with tangible presence.

"Flowing Consciousness" — Thoughts Transforming into Continuous Text

In experiencing The Present as Memory, viewers understand that "present" and "memory" are not mutually exclusive but coexist. Even in the present, moments are infused with past experiences and memories, influencing future perceptions. Recurring motifs of landscapes and seasonal changes serve as markers of time, bearing the imprint of years and evolving continuously. The stream-of-consciousness approach transforms the narrative of contemporary art, inviting viewers to participate alongside the artist in the flow of emotions and inner change. This approach blurs the boundary between reality and internal experience, deepening understanding of the artist's psyche while encouraging reflection on human nature, memory, and temporality.

Text by: Grace YU