Within the whimsical realm of Naoto Hattori’s imagination, fantastical creatures with otherworldly oversized eyes beckon us into a land where the ordinary merges seamlessly with the extraordinary. These charming beings, woven from the threads of various animals and elements of nature, enchant viewers with their surreal yet peaceful presence. Hattori’s ability to draw from the depths of his thoughts and emotions allows his creatures to inhabit a space that is as vibrant as it is enigmatic. The oversized eyes of these beings serve not merely as focal points but as portals into a world of visionary memories, where their unusual forms invite introspection and wonder. Set against lush backdrops adorned with verdant foliage, serene lakes, and flourishing mushrooms, these hybrid entities resonate with a gentle allure, bridging the human experience with the tranquility of nature.
Far from adhering strictly to surrealism, Hattori cultivates a unique artistic language, one that speaks directly to the soul through colors, textures, and forms that escape verbal expression. Each piece invites us to embark on a meditative journey alongside the artist, exploring an inner landscape marked by tenderness and a touch of peculiarity. The twisted yet calming designs reflect Hattori’s introspection, capturing his essence as both creator and participant within his fantasy world. Through his art, pathways are formed between reality and the subconscious, blurring lines and eliciting a serene acceptance of life’s multifaceted nature. In merging the unexpected with the familiar, Hattori crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, urging us to embrace the beauty in our own hidden complexities.
I’m not particular about surrealism, but I like to draw an image which can’t be expressed in words, such as feelings, thoughts, and emotions in my mind. The eye feels like an entrance to the world of visionary memories. I often paint a piece which visualizes myself as a hybrid creature entering the visionary world. The images are twisted but it feels like meditation and calms me down.
Haoto Nattori
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