Beautiful Surprises And No End In Sight

Like many, the pandemic has proven to be very difficult for me. One positive thing that came about, though, was the opportunity to meditate on my next project. I wanted to continue to explore the theme of nature: its constant and contrasting life. For example, calm waters versus resilient river currents; the vastness of the plains and deserts; or minuscule details found in forests; cold and warm weather transitions; and the endless scape of oceans. The wilderness in nature is full of surprises.

​I also wanted to explore cycles and patterns found in nature on the theme, "Ambience." The seasons provide us with a variety of visual dynamics. Spring into summer, autumn changes to winter and regenerates itself. The theme, "Ambience," is very much about that: works that have no beginning or end. Lines and textures loop in a continuous cycle, creating distinct patterns.

The idea behind the theme, "Ambience," is also about getting used to new environments and situations. The more I explore abstract ideas, the outcomes become less representational. It’s difficult to pinpoint when the work is done. The outcomes become obscure and uncontrollable.

As a person who prefers routines and familiarity, I find it difficult at times to place myself in unfamiliar territories. However, while I was working on this theme, it became clear to me that it’s an exercise in learning to cope with the unknown. Things age, and as life transforms for better or worse, I’m faced with unfamiliar outcomes. It takes courage and resiliency to be content in that place of uncertainty.

Art regenerates, as does nature in the changes of seasons. A fully lived life displays how one's journey and quality of life have been transformed. Any memorable art, whether seen in person or images seen on other means, keeps looping in one's mind because they regenerate or have staying power; they have resiliency, and have changed into treasures.

"Ambience" is about my interpretation of the beautiful cycle of surprises found in nature and experiencing living in that new environment.

Yukio Kevin Iraha