2009, Unique Artwork

Oil on Canvas
66 9/10 × 65 7/10 × 2 in – 170 × 167 × 5 cm
The artwork and signed by the Artist on verso of the canvas & stamped with the logo of the Studio of the Artist on verso of the canvas
serie “Timeless Rhythms : Sumotori in the Urban Symphony”
In Ryoko Watanabe’s captivating series, “Timeless Rhythms: Sumotori in the Urban Symphony,” the artist embarks on a visual exploration that transcends temporal boundaries and fuses ancient Japanese traditions with the pulsating energy of contemporary urban life.

In each canvas, Watanabe masterfully orchestrates a convergence of sumotori, the formidable symbols of Japan’s historical prowess, and the dynamic urban crowds that define the modern era. The backdrop, rendered in a striking black and white palette, serves as a canvas of timelessness, a stage where tradition and modernity engage in a harmonious dance.

As the viewer steps into the gallery, they are immediately drawn into Watanabe’s world, where the rhythmic beats of tradition resonate alongside the bustling symphony of the urban landscape. The sumotori, adorned in their ceremonial garb, stand as stoic guardians of heritage amidst the lively chaos surrounding them.

Watanabe’s deliberate choice to desaturate the background creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the vivid colors of the sumotori and the eclectic city dwellers. The cityscape becomes a living entity, with crowds navigating through buses, traffic jams, and metro stations, forming a visual narrative of the ceaseless movement of time.

In one canvas, a sumotori stands poised in a metro station, surrounded by faceless commuters rushing past. The juxtaposition of ancient strength against the transient nature of modern life evokes a sense of introspection, prompting the viewer to ponder the endurance of tradition in the face of contemporary flux.

Another painting features a group of sumotori engaged in a traditional ceremony against the backdrop of a crowded city square. The juxtaposition of the solemn ritual with the vivacity of the urban setting creates a profound dialogue between the past and the present, inviting viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of cultural heritage and the ever-evolving urban landscape.

“Timeless Rhythms: Sumotori in the Urban Symphony” is not merely a collection of paintings; it is a narrative woven with strokes of cultural resonance. Watanabe, through her art, invites us to contemplate the essence of time, tradition, and the enduring spirit that persists, like a rhythmic heartbeat, in the intricate tapestry of Japan’s past and present.