The Buddhist tenets of Wabi-Sabi have very much influenced the work of Japanese artist, Kazumi Onoue. Born and raised in Osaka, Japan, Kazumi utilizes these Eastern aesthetics such as - asymmetry, modesty, intimacy and simplicity - to evoke her Japanese heritage in her oil on canvas pieces.

Wabi-Sabi represents a comprehensive Japanese world-view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience. Sometimes described as beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete", it is the most conspicuous and characteristic feature of what we think of as traditional Japanese beauty.

“Wabi” connotes rustic simplicity, freshness or quietness, and can be applied to both natural and human-made objects, or understated elegance. It can also refer to quirks and anomalies arising from the process of construction, which add uniqueness and elegance to the object.

“Sabi” is beauty or serenity that comes with age, when the life of the object and its impermanence are evidenced in its patina and wear, or in any visible repairs. Kazumi’s work draws on these aspects throughout the creative process.

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Kazumi Onoue Images