Midori Tsunoi: Forest and Creatures

“I love walking in the forest. Nothing is more beautiful than the animals I encounter in nature, although these encounters can sometimes be frightening as well. Meeting an owl is an experience I will never forget. On a rainy day, as I look closely at mosses and lichens, I realise that a tiny universe exists within them. When I am in the forest, I encounter my true self, a part of me whose existence I was not even aware of in the city, where I am surrounded by noise and crowds.

My illustrations express the excitement of a treasure hunt that I feel every time I walk in the forest, as well as the anticipation of not knowing what the next step might bring. There is also a sense that some invisible presence may be there. I hope these works inspire viewers to take a greater interest in forests.

When you look more closely at traditional Finnish textiles, ​​you can clearly see how they reflect the forms and patterns of Nordic nature. Traditional Finnish textiles are at risk of disappearing. I want to explore them from a new perspective and share their beauty and fascination with others”, the artist tells.

Midori Tsunoi has created these works over the past 30 years. They include woven and embroidered works, prints and illustrations. In this exhibition, she also seek to create a new world by viewing and combining these works from different perspectives.

“In my recent work, I mainly use recycled materials. Weaving can be used to create remarkable works through advanced techniques. ​​At the same time, even the simplest methods can produce many different forms of beauty. My latest creation, “Yukin-ko”, has been made using techniques that are as simple as possible.”