Art + Culture

ORIMOTO Tatsumi: Good vibes with a brilliant, genius-like, sense for the ‘moment of magic’ in contemporary art! 編集中

編集中!STILL EDITING!

折元立身 by 西川美穂子
最初の「水垢離」@ アヒルとのアクション、青山|目黒、2014年11月29日 この写真は西川美穂子氏の好意により (Caption from ARTiT, 2016/7/1. Photo and courtesy by MOT Curator NISHIKAWA Mihoko)

Why do I love Orimoto?
How is it possible that, as a contemporary and companion, one can develop a sensitivity and familiarity with a fellow artist? Even though he comes from a different, contrasting cultural background.
I believe the most important point for me is that Orimoto understood and implemented the concept of ‘controlled vulnerability’.
When I visit exhibitions and look at artists’ works, I first look for the aspect of ‘controlled vulnerability’. If it is not recognisable during a period of the artist’s life, I classify that person in a ‘lower’ category. They may produce interesting works, but they do not receive my total recognition and absolute respect.
Orimoto gets both from me: total recognition and absolute respect.
Orimoto possessed a brilliant, genius-like, sense for the ‘moment of magic’ in contemporary art.
He was the catalyst and executor of astonishing performative practices in an art-historical context.
Between him and me, there were positive vibrations, was a metaphysical karma, a sense of the right moment to make art history.
Orimoto commanded affirmative, positive-motivating energy towards depressed, dark, negative-energy-transmitting people.
We should keep in mind, that our planet is in danger. What politicians trigger off with their aggressiveness and war-enforcing methods, makes the child aggressive and violent, too.
Orimoto’s behaviour had always peace in mind. A mature artist, whose goal was to bridge social discrepancies. As we know, young boys/men in certain socio-political-cultural environments refuse to accept rules and frequently stand out for their reckless behaviour.
There is a chronic propensity for violence or so-called anger-driven reactivity: the young boy/man becomes angry quickly and over minor issues, which often escalates into open aggression. Another risk factor is a worldview that promotes delinquency as part of one’s identity, through which violence is perceived as justified.
Orimoto purposely transmitted a peaceful mind, anti-depressing aura, eyes full of embracing, warm humanism. During his performances no explanations, hints, or words were necessary. It was self-evidently clear what was at stake.
This feeling of familiarity, of ‘support’, of ‘not being afraid’, of ‘being protected in case of emergency’…is something the average observer or attendee doesn’t (did not) understand.
It’s like being in a relationship. ‘Open Up’, ‘Letting Go’ and ‘Being Let Go.’ Only then does the unforced orgasm occur. Only those present could experience this kind of orgasm, this magical moment when everything fits together. When the chemistry is right, anything can happen.
Orimoto with no stark proposition but controlled vulnerability. Fragility as artistic experience.
Practising in an artistic community without ethical boundaries that understands and endorses this kind of categorical imperative.
Orimoto said to me, “You’re the only one who understood my body of work, its concept, and wrote a critique about it.”
It also happened that, even though the gallery was packed with interested Orimoto-visitors, he waited to start his performance. Mario wasn’t there yet.
We are very grateful to Orimoto for the numerous magical moments, for the wonderful memories, for his sensitive humanity. That’s why he lives on in all of our hearts. ❤️

Luxor-Tokyo, August 2025
Mario A

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