ARTDYNE is pleased to announce the third solo exhibition by Machi Sugita at our gallery, titled “BORDER.”

Machi Sugita consistently creates works that combine deep ultramarine landscapes of dawn and dusk with vibrant neon signs, embedding narratives and warnings about ethnic and human rights issues. Her signature style, featuring striking contrasts of vivid colors and glowing white outlines, creates layered and mysterious compositions that captivate a wide audience.

This exhibition seeks to explore themes related to “borders,” a subject that Sugita has consistently focused on in her work. Motifs such as migratory birds effortlessly crossing national boundaries and Yonaguni horses—native to Japan’s westernmost island—gracefully galloping across the land are depicted as symbols of overcoming and transcending the concept of “BORDER.”

This exhibition features six new works, including a large-scale painting (size 100) and five photographic works being presented for the first time. We sincerely invite you to experience and provide your thoughts on these works.

Artist Statement

“BORDER” is a series that combines the “boundaries” of an island nation’s natural borders—the surrounding sea—and signs that mark the “edges” of places. Migratory birds, beings that transcend the borders and walls of history and nationality created by humans with ease, are depicted as mysterious entities bathed in light.

As I face my canvases and landscapes each day, I often question my unclear personal position—why am I so conscious of Japan’s ethnic and human rights issues? One day, I realized that my awareness of these issues had reflected back at me like a mirror, leading me to confront my own sense of minority identity. This realization felt both like a revelation and a poignant acceptance, a fragile, delicate thread that deeply connects me to my art and strengthens me.

“BORDER” does not only refer to the division of land but also to the “boundaries” that each of us faces in our daily lives.

We live, often unknowingly, crossing and navigating these boundaries.

On the Photographic Works

While working on the BORDER series, I decided to gradually venture toward the “edges.”

I recall memories of drifting ice from Russia and Kunashir Island, the silhouette of Sakhalin faintly emerging through the mist, and flocks of migratory birds bathed in light. In the freezing air, with visible breaths, I experienced a profound awareness of the close connection between the land where I stood and neighboring countries.

I also remember the day I pedaled eastward to meet Yonaguni horses, cycling tirelessly under an almost frighteningly beautiful ultramarine sky, where the strong sunlight reflected off offerings and falling flower petals.

The countless landscapes that have unfolded before my eyes continue to inspire and strengthen the BORDER series.

Machi Sugita