Emi Sekiguchi

Emi Sekiguchi is a sculptor specializing in wood carving, presenting unique depictions of children and women through her fresh perspective. Her work is both strong and gentle, capturing moments that resonate like songs of memory and the warmth of the sun amidst drifting clouds. Every cut she makes reflects her unwavering dedication to art and a pure belief in creation. Her works evoke a duality—on one hand, they express a prayer for the happiness of young lives in the universe; on the other, they reveal her frustration with her own helplessness in a harsh, domineering world. By interweaving blessings and curses, she skillfully channels her inner, conflicting emotions into her art, balancing sharpness with tenderness. In recent years, Sekiguchi has also been involved in the decade-long project of sculpting the Dainichi Nyorai at Kokubunji Temple, led by renowned sculptor Akio Omori, which has greatly enhanced her mastery of sculptural techniques. Her creations, both delicate and beautiful, allow us to drift between the past and future, traversing the boundary between reality and imagination with her free-spirited style.