Sea Beyond (Gofun Series)

Gofun series are done with pure oyster shell pigment (Gofun) which goes through over three years of refining process in purifying of oyster shells, then made into a pellet form. In Nihonga (Japanese style painting) technique, Gofun is one of the hardest techniques to master, and artists such as Hiroshi Senju has used it most effectively. When made right, Gofun can be both transparent and opaque at the same time, and unlike many of the "whites" of other mediums, can be luminescent. Fujimura has used Gofun as a symbol of sacred purity as well as mystery of the veil that is lifted when the Spirit illumines our hearts. And Gofun has been one of the most important and intimate materials for Fujimura.

Sea Beyond, 2019

Oyster Shell “Gofun” on Belgium Linen
84H x 132W in (each) (3 panels)

Psalm-Sea(Rachel), 2019

Oyster Shell “Gofun” on Belgium Linen
48H x 60W in (each) (two panels)

Psalm-Sea(Rachel) has not been exhibited but kept as a private collection of Fujimura as it marks the beginning of his new journey (in life as well as in his art). He has started the "150" series of meditations on the Psalms, and this piece serves as a new direction to move into the Psalms phase. "Rachel" refers to his admiration for Rachel Carson, who influenced the Culture Care Movement that Fujimura spoke at the recent keynote speech at Baylor University.

Silence - Whitesilver, 2017

Oyster Shell, Quartz and Silver on Belgium Linen
72H x 116W in

Silence - Whitesilver was done in the summer heat of 2017 in Princeton farm studio. It’s simultaneously an homage to Hiroshi Senju, whose iconic Waterfall images were done during the studio share time between Senju and Fujimura in the ’90s, and an experiment to push the use of oyster shell, white pigments (such as Quartz) and silver. Fujimura was reflecting on how much has taken place since, including 9/11. The shared studio was an evacuation point, located in ten blocks away from the 9/11 site. Hiroshi supported Fujimura’s Post 9/11 and their works were hosted in the expanded space in TriBeCa studio.

Silence - Whitesilver speaks of such trauma, summer heat, and Fujimura’s own journey through a challenging time in his own life. It is a painting of excavation toward recovery of hope. He believes now, this painting led the way to “August 30th, 19:33” painting and “visitation” experience a year later.

August 30th, 19:33, 2017

Oyster Shell “Gofun” on Belgium Linen
72H x 116W in

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Walking on Water - Banquo's Dream

Oyster shell White Quartz and Gold on Linen
87H x 143W in

"Walking on Water - Banquo's Dream" was inspired by watching Fujimura’s second son C.J. play Banquo at Bucknell University's production of Macbeth. He began the painting soon after and finished the work as Sandy blew over his new studio in the Princeton area. Sandy caused a prolonged power outage, but the Nihonga technique, fortunately, is pre-electricity, so he was able to continue to work.