Recently, I embarked on a project that transported me to the vibrant city of Tokyo. Although my artworks are not typically anchored in a specific time or place, I felt that this particular project required a different approach. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War, and thinking about this historical milestone, I decided to set the piece in the year 1945.

As I delved into the archives and meticulously pored over old maps, I was struck by the sheer devastation that befell Tokyo during that time. The city was reduced to a barren wasteland of soiled waters and collapsed buildings, a maze of rubble that made it nearly impossible for residents to escape the bombing.

Viewed from afar, the artwork depicts a black flower rising from the ashes, yet upon closer examination, one can discern an intricate maze etched into the paper, symbolising the hardships and trials endured by the people of Tokyo in 1945. But it is important to remember that for Tokyo, and for its citizens, 1945 was not only an end, but also a new beginning, filled with hope for a brighter future.

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