Abstract Mixed Media Artwork

Lena Okamoto is an artist dedicated to reviving the beauty and depth of Japan’s traditional textiles through contemporary art. Her practice centers on rescuing antique kimono and obi fabrics - materials layered with history, memory, and craftsmanship - and transforming them into one-of-a-kind textile works that speak to both heritage and modernity, tradition and reinvention. Each artwork becomes a dialogue between past and present, inviting viewers to see textiles not only as garments but also as vessels of cultural memory and identity.

This particular work incorporates an antique kimono fabric dating from the Taisho era (early 1910s). The textile bears a pine tree motif, a symbol of longevity and resilience in Japanese culture. Lena arranges the fabric in such a way that the pine appears to transform into a flourishing tree adorned with auspicious symbols - persimmons for abundance, pines for endurance, and peonies for beauty and prosperity. Together, these motifs create a layered visual narrative, blending nature, symbolism, and cultural heritage.

At the center of the composition runs a striking line inspired by kintsugi, the Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfection and impermanence. Traditionally applied to pottery repaired with gold, silver, or lacquer, kintsugi finds new expression here as a thread of continuity that unites fragments into wholeness. Through this gesture, Lena highlights the beauty of aging and the dignity of repair, allowing the textile to transcend its original function and take on a renewed life as contemporary art. By weaving historical fabric, symbolic imagery, and philosophical depth together, Lena Okamoto invites viewers to reflect on the enduring power of tradition and the possibility of renewal.

NOTE: The image shown is a close up image of the Painting. The 2nd image shows the full painting, with the following images showcasing closeups of the artwork, detailing the work done by the artist.

Painting is signed by the artist

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Prosperity Tree