御呪い Omajinai, Spell Series // Incense on Illuminated Hahnemühle Ingres, Rose Shade, colored pencil, LED light Frame // Spring 2022

1. Moth to a Lame- 19 in x 25 in

2. Good on Paper - 19 in x 25 in

3. Swipe Left - 19 in x 25 in

4. Boy Bye - 19 in x 25 in

5. Dic Pic - 19 in x 25 in

6. Never Land - 19 in x 25 in

7. Holy Ghost - 19 in x 25 in

The Ainu are an indigenous tribe in the Northern Hokkaido region of Japan. Their presence in Japan has long upheld the notion of the ’other’ within the homogeneous lanes of Japanese society and are often extended to anyone who defies the character and expectations of Japanese norms i.e. ‘foreigners.’ Their textiles are distinct, a hypnotic maze of swirling patterns, moreu, are handstitched into nettle or elm-bark fiber robes, retarpe. These patterns are treated like ‘spells’ that bind and cradle the wearer’s spine, collar, and wrists, warding off evil spirits. The most common motifs that reappear include the heart, the thorn, and the whorl, all derivatives of, oho, a style of ‘chain stitch’.

Spell in Japanese is 御呪い omajinai. These burn works are one part spell, one part candied heart. Each work is a labyrinth of blurred phrases and play on words, highlighting a spectrum of broken romances and social encounters in the digital age. Looking at the histories and wisdoms of where we came from, early civilizations such as the Ainu understand the power objects take on once they are brought to life. These pieces are spirited. They caution, lament, and protect the viewer of the pitfalls of contemporary connection.