butoh ma

Butoh is an avant-garde form of Japanese dance theater that emerged in the late 1950s, characterized by its raw, often grotesque movements and its exploration of the human condition. It was born out of post-World War II disillusionment and reflects deep, existential themes such as death, pain, and transformation. Dancers typically perform in slow, controlled motions, often with white-painted bodies and contorted faces, creating a surreal, haunting effect. Butoh challenges conventional beauty in dance, instead embracing the body in its most primal and vulnerable states, making it a powerful form of artistic expression that pushes the boundaries of performance.

In this painting the artist is in the MA (the empty space ) of her dance.. I tried to convey the turmoil of the weather, with duality of the washed out color. The red kimono represents the strength in her stillness.

Follow

I've been creating art for as long as I can remember, purely for the joy of it. I usually create pieces, and give them away, but recently I started selling commissions ( customers refused not to pay), which has encouraged me toward a more professional path. I get severe anxiety being in social events, or even just plain talking to people, hence the lack of entering my art into galleries or competitions, though i am trying to push through it. Finding bluethumb is a god send for me. Art is an ongoing journey for me, I couldn't imagine life without it.

I have a special fondness for charcoal and acrylic, and I often like to blend the two. Charcoal, in particular, holds a spiritual connection for me. There's something about the raw, physical nature of it that grounds me.

My art is fluid, and I don't like to box myself in. I let inspiration lead the way, whether it’s a visual moment or a vivid emotional connection that sparks an idea. No formal training, just instinct and a lot of heart—and I love nothing more than seeing someone else moved by what I've created.