Ayaka UMEDA is a dye painter who explores new possibilities in pictorial expression through the traditional technique of batik. When observing her central theme of nature, she contemplates multiple perspectives—filters of personal memory, sensory perception, and the viewpoints of other living beings. In her dyeing process, the way pigments spread on water and the irreversible phenomena that occur during the work reveal images unreachable through thought alone. It is as if the materials themselves guide her, generating nature upon the cloth to construct her world. Through this process, narratives and systems emerge, offering viewers glimpses of unknown worlds hidden in everyday life and aiming to provide new perspectives.
Dragon Through the Azure Sky depicts a majestic white dragon soaring through an endless blue expanse, symbolizing vitality, protection, and transformation. Inspired by myths and natural forces, UMEDA uses the batik technique with reactive dyes on cotton to create intricate layers of color and texture. The flowing composition merges swirling waves, shimmering scales, and crystalline patterns, inviting viewers to journey between reality and imagination. The work celebrates the dynamism of life and the boundless energy of nature, offering a visual experience that is both powerful and meditative.