"The prototype of the universe, draw the inside and outside of the human body"
My body is both my own and a part of the natural world.My interest in this ambiguous body led me to study anatomy. In anatomy, we learned that the bodies of all living things have the same origin and have evolved together, resonating with the same rotational rhythm of celestial bodies for hundreds of millions of years. I believe that the locus of resonance between the microcosmos and macrocosmos is imprinted not only on the human body but even on the structure of a small flower as the " prototype image of the universe '' In this exhibition, based on the " prototype image of the universe '' I incorporated anatomical drawings (death), shunga (sexuality and life), and even plant shapes, in order to explore my own body mandala drawings that wish for the cycle and balance of life. The various mysteries of life are brought to light through my paintings, and I hope that viewers will feel the eternity of life rather than its ephemerality. Michiyo Kamei
★Shunga Gallery: Michiyo Kamei shunga (shungagallery.com)
【research paper】
Michiyo KAMEI, Draw an anatomical art as a <morph>:With Shigeo MIKI's Natural History of Biological Morph, Bulletin of Cultural Study on KATACHI 16, 2022,13-22.
This article focuses on the anatomical illustration by biologist and anatomist Shigeo MIKI (1925-1987), who conducted research in both the medical and artistic fields. Since ancient Greece, medicine has continually evolved with drawings. This means that illustrations reflect the thought of the times. Therefore, here we will examine Miki's thought from the perspective of anatomical illustrations and explore the possibilities of anatomical art by introducing my works as production examples. Michiyo Kamei
Keywords: Anatomical art, Zodiac Man, Ontogenesis, bodyscape, Shunga, Goethe's morphology, Shigeo Miki
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I like drawing "Body landscapes" which combine anatomical charts with "Shunga" wood block prints.
We have a body which is full of the mystery of life. The question, "Who are we?" caused me to study anatomy and dissection. Anatomy still influences my work as does Shunga' s erotica, energy, life and sex an iconography of life. Having seen so many dissected bodies in university. I began to create an art form which embodies life and death.
My work is done with natural pigments and glue, called "Nihonga" and ink on Japanese paper. The fluidity of ink and natural pigments allow me to spatialize different morphological elements. When I use ink (Sumi) I also paint myself and use my body to create works on "Washi". The combination of life, sex & death becomes like a mandala symbolizing the eternity of life rather than its ephemeral nature.
Michiyo Kamei