Abstract Mixed Media Painting

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.

In this particular piece, Lena draws inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of kintsugi, a centuries-old art form that involves repairing broken pottery with precious metals. Rather than concealing imperfections, kintsugi highlights them as an essential part of an object’s journey, adding dignity to its scars. Lena translates this idea into textiles, “uniting” fragments of antique obi with delicate silver leaf. By weaving this gesture of repair into the fabric itself, she offers the textile a renewed sense of strength, continuity, and vitality as a contemporary artwork.

The obi used here dates back to the Meiji era, more than 100 years ago. Once part of an everyday garment, its intricate patterns now form the foundation for a poetic image: grasses swaying gently along the riverbank, timeless in their quiet motion. Through careful composition and material sensitivity, Lena enables the textile to retain its rich history while simultaneously revealing a fresh, renewed artistic presence. A related work, created from the very same antique obi, was recognized as a finalist in the 5th All Japan Art Competition, affirming the significance and resonance of her approach.

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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River Flow