Chiharu Shiota. Exposing an inner universe

Inspired by the legacy of Ana Mendieta and the feminist pioneers of the 1970s, Chiharu Shiota uses her own body as a starting point to explore our deep-rooted connections to the earth, our past, and our memories.

Best known for her stunning installations of woven thread, Shiota’s intricate, symmetrical webs have a way of drawing you in instantly. Her work stirs up a whirlwind of emotions—blending comfort with uncertainty, and beauty with raw honesty—while inviting us to ponder the delicate balance between being present and the spaces we leave behind.

The interplay between presence and absence is the common thread throughout her art. It pushes us to rethink how we define an artwork, the role of the viewer, and the boundaries between our inner selves and the world around us.

Shiota believes that the most powerful art happens when we set aside our expectations of what "art" should look like. Instead, she invites us to simply experience her work directly, letting go of the need to find a specific meaning and instead trusting our own perceptions.