Chiharu Shiota

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Art is a way for me to communicate the intangible emotions, memories, and experiences that shape our lives. My practice is deeply rooted in my personal journey, yet it speaks to universal themes of existence, death, and connection. I am fascinated by the concept of memory, how it fades with time but at the same time is preserved in mundane objects. For me, memory is not just something we think about; it’s something we can feel in our bodies. Without memory, I wouldn’t be able to explain who I am.

I use everyday objects—shoes, keys, beds, chairs, suitcases, and dresses—as symbols for human experience and existence. These objects are charged with personal and collective memories. Through my installations, I encapsulate these memories within massive, intricate webs of thread. The threads create a visual representation of the invisible connections between the physical world and the intangible realm of our emotions, memories, and consciousness. It is this sensation of “presence in absence” that I explore with my work. 

The thread is delicate but also strong, representing how relationships can be fragile but still lasting. As the thread moves through space, it connects objects, forming an extensive pattern that shows the many connections between people, some obvious and some hidden. The thread acts as a symbol for how our experiences are all linked—how the past, present, and future affect each other, and how we are all connected in ways that are often not easy to see. I want to make all these connections visible.

Originally, I wanted to be a painter, but during my studies, I felt stuck. It seemed like everything I was creating had already been done before. The thread allowed me to extend the pencil line of the drawing into space. I feel like I am drawing with thread in the air. The installation fills the room to the moment where you can no longer trace a single thread. By engulfing everyday objects in a web of thread, I create an atmosphere where the viewer can feel the presence of universal existence.

Ultimately, my work is about searching for meaning in the chaos of life. I can’t imagine being anything other than an artist. My work is an exploration of how I navigate the complexities of existence, and I want to extend this feeling into something universal. Although we may never truly know what the other is thinking, I believe we share similar experiences and emotions in life. When people enter my installations, I hope that they can recognize this feeling. Through my installations, I invite the viewer to reflect on their own relationships in life, to question how they confront loss, hold on to memory, and make sense of the world around them. I want to create a different space from ordinary life, something that transports them into another universe. Art is a powerful way to communicate emotions, ideas, and experiences that words alone often cannot express.