The artist MIDORI has been captivated by the charm of living creatures since childhood, continuously depicting their forms. Her works embody the meaning of the kanji character "翠" (Midori)—abundance, life, and regeneration. Deeply resonating with the beauty of living beings, she expresses their vitality and delicate elegance in her art.
Additionally, "翠" also refers to jade, a stone that has been cherished for its beauty and used as an ornament and symbol of authority in Japan since the Jomon period. This deep reverence for Japan’s ancient natural aesthetics forms the core of MIDORI’s creative philosophy, subtly breathing life into each of her works.
On the other hand, Japan's traditional metalcraft, known for its fusion of ornamental elegance and functionality, has long enriched the history of Japanese art.
MIDORI’s work, infused with a contemporary perspective, stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity, art and industry, stillness and movement—a space where the past and future meet.
MIDORI's works are inspired by the beauty of life and nature, blending traditional Japanese sensibilities with cutting-edge technology. Her pieces are crafted using stainless steel, a material that combines durability and aesthetic elegance, processed with Japan’s advanced techniques. Through meticulous surface treatments, she maximizes the texture and character of metal, bringing her artistic vision to life.
While stainless steel is often perceived as an inorganic material, it is in fact derived from the Earth's minerals, such as nickel and chromium. Much of Japan’s nickel supply comes from New Caledonia, making stainless steel an integral part of the Earth's grand cycle. MIDORI’s creations, born from natural elements and exceptional craftsmanship, capture both the power and fragility of nature, evoking a deep emotional response in viewers.
Hōō (Phoenix), a piece born from the union of traditional craftsmanship and a singular artistic approach, pulses with a sense of movement —as if the creature might spread its wings and soar into the sky at any moment.
Theme: "The Beauty of the Incomplete" & "Flight into the Future"
In traditional beliefs, a phoenix is only complete when both Hō (male) and Ō (female) exist together. However, MIDORI deliberately depicts only the Hō, symbolizing an endless journey in search of the unseen Ō. This deliberate absence is the essence of the piece, prompting viewers to imagine the existence of its counterpart somewhere in the world.
It is said that when a phoenix takes flight, the world is filled with harmony. But if only the Hō takes flight alone, might it soar even higher, seeking its missing counterpart? With this in mind, the artwork embodies themes of pioneers, solitary flight, and the challenge of venturing into an unknown future.
Born in 1988, Midori Taniguchi was first captivated by the unique luster of stainless steel at her grandfather’s precision metalworking factory. At the same time, she developed a fascination for the beauty of nature and living creatures, honing her observational skills as a means of artistic expression.
She pursued formal art education in high school and later studied under product designer Maki Yoshida, refining both her technical and artistic abilities. Mastering the skill of translating her visions into metal, she embarked on her journey of creating stainless steel art. Her works, centered around the theme “Eternal Brilliance of Life”, fuse her artistic sensibilities with Japan’s precision metalworking technology, forming a unique artistic world.
In recent years, she has expanded her collaborations, working with renowned painter Yoshitaka Amano, known for designing characters for globally popular video games, and the prestigious Lladró Japan, a world-famous porcelain brand.
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