Concept

MIKI GOTO, through her work “Who am I,” explores the concept of posing profound questions to oneself, harmonizing the spirit of Zen with the celebration of diversity.

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Born in Mie Prefecture in 1980, MIKI GOTO was a child who loved to explore the realms of imagination. Growing up in Mie, home to Ise Shrine―the origin of Japanese shrines and the primary shrine for all Japanese deities―she continues to visit this sacred place regularly.

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In this beautiful and spiritually cleansing environment, known as the heartland of the Japanese spirit, her imagination was nurtured, and she found joy in depicting the invisible world.

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She draws inspiration from Zen teachings and the culture of meditation, particularly concerning individual identity. Zen, a traditional Japanese spiritual practice, aims to return to one's true self through mental calmness.

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It emphasizes deepening self-understanding through tranquility and introspection. A crucial part of this introspective process is asking oneself the ultimate questions.

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Questions like “Who am I?” and “What is the meaning of my existence?” deepen self-understanding and lay the foundation for respecting diversity.

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MIKI GOTO's works capture the universal value of Zen, serving as a guide for people of diverse cultures and backgrounds to live together harmoniously.

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Reflecting on oneself through “Who am I?” is the first step towards respecting differences and coexisting in diversity.

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By combining the quiet yet powerful forms derived from the simple beauty of Zen with vibrant colors, and integrating elements of contemporary art through diverse colors and textures, she expresses common values found within diversity―respect, empathy, peace, equality, understanding, and cooperation.

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This leads to harmony between tradition and modernity. In a chaotic era marked by technological advancements and an overload of information causing stress and anxiety for many, she believes the importance of Zen's teachings on inner peace and spiritual growth is ever increasing.

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Though rooted in Japan, Zen's universal values resonate with many people across cultures and borders.

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She aims for her audience to recognize their identity and understand the beauty of diversity.

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MIKI GOTO finds beauty in quiet strength, offering a space for viewers to engage in self-dialogue.

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She hopes to convey to people worldwide that true richness lies in respecting individual identities and celebrating diversity. She also strives to promote harmony in diversity through art, for the sake of future generations.