I am

In "I Am," Hara presents us with one of his earlier works from 2018, revealing the evolutionary roots of his artistic journey. Here, we see a more brooding, introspective exploration that stands in stark contrast to his later spring series, yet contains seeds of the emotional depth that would become his trademark. The composition is dominated by a haunting birdcage motif, rendered in dark, gestural brushstrokes that seem to both contain and define the shadowy figure within. The familiar silhouette we've come to know from his later works appears here in a more raw, vulnerable state – less defined, more merged with its surroundings, as if still in the process of becoming. Hara's technical approach here is fascinating. The background is a churning sea of deep emeralds and midnight blues, created through complex layering that generates an almost phosphorescent quality. These colors seep and blend like watercolors in the dark, creating depth that seems to pulse with inner light. Touches of purple at the edges add a royal, almost mystical dimension to the piece. What's particularly striking about this earlier work is how it foreshadows themes that would later emerge in his spring series. The tension between confinement and freedom, solitude and connection, is already present, though expressed here in a more overtly dramatic way. The title "I Am" reads as both declaration and question – a meditation on identity that would continue to evolve throughout his artistic journey.

Created By

Takashi Hara