SAORI KANDA’s Live Performance at ‘Sanctuary’ Exhibition Captivates Audience

The Artistic Celebration at YUGEN Gallery

Recently, the YUGEN Gallery in Fukuoka hosted a stunning live performance for SAORI KANDA’s exhibition titled ‘生命讃歌-sanctuary-’ (Life Song - Sanctuary). This exhibition has been a culmination of KANDA's exploration of themes such as ‘Goddess Bloom’ and ‘Sacred Eros’, which she has been deeply investigating since 2020.

The showcase allowed visitors to experience KANDA's unique artistic world, where diverse media such as painting, dance, music, and visual art converge. Among the pieces exhibited was her iconic work, ‘Dragon ∞ Goddess Harmony 御神器’, which garnered significant acclaim during her Tokyo exhibition. This time, she unveiled vibrant new creations energetically inspired by her recent experiences in Bali. Through dynamic colors and brushstrokes, KANDA's art manifests the joy of self-love, appealing to the viewer’s subconscious.

Accompanying KANDA during this special event was a medley of sounds from nature, including field recordings of Bali's spring water and birdsong, enveloping the gallery in a sacred atmosphere. The performance was a beautiful synergy of sound, movement, and visual expression, as KANDA painted live, breathing new life onto the canvas.

The canvas used for the live performance had its roots in a painting KANDA created two years prior under the full moon on Bali, where she celebrated the happiness of goddesses worldwide. Over the two years, she layered new energy onto the original piece, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and vibrations.

Among the musicians who shared the stage was KOKU, a resident artist from Itoshima. With a background of approximately 11 years abroad as a handpan and didgeridoo performer, KOKU has made a name for himself at various festivals and events worldwide. Since moving to Fukuoka in March of this year, his performance blended harmoniously with KANDA's artistic expression, seamlessly integrating the sounds of nature with beats that evoked the rhythms of life.

Collaborating with KANDA was also the shamanic voice artist, Sorairo Kamyu, based in Itoshima. KANDA and Kamyu first crossed paths during a sacred performance on Iki Island in the spring equinox of 2024. Their collaboration echoed through various parts of Japan and Bali, as they connect through song, dance, and prayer, striving to resonate the essence of home for the soul. During this performance, the two artists formed beautiful harmonies, enriching the sonic layers surrounding KANDA’s voice.

As their voices intertwined, a wave of soft yet powerful harmony enveloped the audience, filling their hearts with tranquility. Guided by her inner voice, KANDA immersed herself in live painting, applying paint directly to the canvas with her hands, while also utilizing brushes for delicate lines. Each stroke embodied a dance of soul and sound, and the audience held their breath, witnessing her splendid creation unfold.

The performance attracted a capacity crowd, exceeding reservation limits, eager to witness this extraordinary live experience. The work created during this performance, titled ‘source’, allowed attendees to collect a piece of the ephemeral essence of the event, encapsulating the unique bond shared among the audience as they experienced this moment together.

Through the harmonious contributions of KANDA, KOKU, and Sorairo Kamyu, the performance transcended mere artistry, manifesting as a touching ‘prayer’ to the soul, allowing everyone present to connect deeply with the essence of life.

SAORI KANDA’s Artistic Journey

SAORI KANDA is a contemporary artist known for her multi-sensory ceremonial art performances, earning acclaim as a ‘Dancing Painter’ worldwide. Engaging with various creative expressions such as sound, dance, clothing, fragrance, and food, her work invites exploration into themes of self-love and the essence of existence.

The exhibition at YUGEN Gallery is a significant part of her artistic trajectory, along with several collaborations with prominent brands. Following this exhibition, KANDA's works are also available for viewing and purchase through YUGEN Gallery’s online store, making it accessible for a global audience.

For more about her artworks, visit the YUGEN Gallery website.