Kaori Someya b. 1977

Someya represents the resilience demanded of modern life and the tireless march forward of society; a restrained power hides within the byobu folding screen in the form of the snail: a classic Japanese symbol of summertime and patience. Situating the viewer behind the folding screen, Someya deploys silver leaf using the back-mounting urahaku technique for the surface of the screen to emphasize the Japanese concept of “ura” or the hidden world and private life of each individual. At one break between the zig-zagging walls, the snail creeps along an unpaved path.The time-honored motif serves as a messenger: continue on the uncharted course. . All of these symbols highlight the key concepts in Someya’s oeuvre:

women face many challenges, but maintain the perseverance required to reach meaningful change.