ORIMOTO Tatsumi: Good vibes with a brilliant, genius-like, sense for the ‘moment of magic’ in contemporary art! 折元立身グッドバイブス：現代アートの「魔法の瞬間」を捉える、優秀な、天才的な感覚！

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 contemplate over a work by an artist, I simultaneously look for the aspect of ‘controlled vulnerability’. If it is not recognisable during a period of that artist’s life, I classify this person in a ‘lower’ category. She/he may produce interesting works, but won’t 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 good vibes, was a metaphysical karma, a sense of the right moment to make art history.
Orimoto commanded affirmative, positive-motivating energy towards toxic, 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 philosophy of serenity, 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. ❤️

ルクソール〜東京、令和7年8月11日
Luxor-Tokyo, 11th of August 2025
亜 真里男 Mario A