Fujiko Hemming Art Exhibition: The Value of Leaving Artistic Works
On a Golden Week afternoon, I casually sat in front of my electric piano to practice singing and playing. However, while browsing YouTube on my smartphone, I stumbled upon news about Fujiko Hemming. I had completely forgotten that her art exhibition was being held in Ginza during Golden Week. Remembering this, I hurriedly left my house, so much so that I ended up leaving my iPhone behind. Fortunately, I remembered the location well and quickly reached the gallery in Ginza.
The small gallery, open to the public for free, was overflowing with people outside. Not fond of waiting in lines and without my iPhone, I thought of returning home. Instead, I decided to make use of the waiting time by replaying Fujiko's music in my mind. Her rendition of Chopin's "Revolutionary" is incredibly intense!
On May 2nd, I was reminded of the news that Fujiko had passed away, and the line suddenly seemed more like one for a memorial. Without a watch, I couldn't tell how much time had passed, but it felt like about an hour. Finally, I entered the gallery.
The works on display ranged from postcard to B5 size. Fujiko was particularly popular among the senior demographic, and several paintings were priced around 200,000 yen, with many reservations made. I had been decorating my room with her floral paintings, which are also used in piano recital programs and clear cases.
That day, her works, inspired by Katsushika Hokusai and featuring motifs of cats and roses, highlighted her uniqueness as a painter. Captivated by each piece, I purchased a collection of paintings and promptly displayed them to match my room's interior.
One piece that particularly touched me was titled "Pets That Went to Heaven." It felt as if Fujiko herself had departed to be with the pets she loved. It's unbelievable that she is no longer physically with us; it feels as though she's always nearby. I thought she was immortal, and it seems I'm not alone in that belief. The term "passed away" doesn't seem fitting; rather, "called to heaven" would be more appropriate.
Through her works, Fujiko continues to entertain and move us on Earth. Her performances can still be enjoyed endlessly, and I'm looking forward to her latest documentary film set to be released in the fall. The value of leaving behind artistic works, as an artist, is something Fujiko makes us profoundly aware of. As long as her works exist, she will live on forever in our hearts.
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