Tomoko Matsuoka

STATEMENT

Tomoko Matsuoka is a contemporary artist who is highly regarded both nationally and internationally for her work on the embodiment of the will.After moving from a consulting firm to a start-up and experimenting with app development, she chose to pursue a deeper insight into the ‘will that shapes human beings’.This quest has led to the expression of a universal humanity that transcends the everyday moment.Through her international art exhibitions, performances and charity work, her work radiates a strong message tinged with social significance.

Historically, many artists have dealt with the theme of ‘will’.For example, the 19th century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer saw ‘will’ as the source of the universe, while in painting, Romantic painters depicted human passions and inner conflicts.In the Western tradition, ‘will’ was often depicted in connection with personal feelings and religious beliefs, especially as a struggle against human powerlessness and transcendental forces.In Japanese art, ‘will’ was expressed in a more static form, often symbolising an individual’s way of being in harmony with nature.For example, the Zen spirit’s representation of inert nature can be seen as an approach to quietly looking at the will.

The value of re-drawing ‘will’ in the year 2024 lies in the context of an era in which its very existence is prone to fluctuation: the rapid development of AI and digital technology is forcing human will and subjectivity to be redefined.In this context, Matsuoka questions through his work how the individual will can preserve and realise itself while being influenced by external forces.Her works have a quiet strength and express the way in which the inner voice of the human being resonates beyond the clamour of the times.

Her embodiment of ‘will’ goes beyond the mere expression of emotions and delves deeply into the meaning of individual existence and the possibility of self-realisation in contemporary society.Although ‘will’ is approached differently in Japanese and Western art, Matsuoka’s work transcends these approaches and is rooted in a universal search for the human interior.