Sotome Haruka
- EXHIBITION
01/3
Sotome largely produces sculptures of lips in red lacquer. The artist draws parallels between lipstick and lacquer, with lipstick expressing beauty and individuality while protecting lips, and lacquer serving to adorn and protect surfaces. Red lacquer was traditionally applied to tableware, furniture and architectural elements as an auspicious color signifying celebratory occasions. Sotome, however, views red as the color of blood and a symbol of life. Glossy red lips are seen as erotic imagery, but in Sotome’s view, lips instead symbolize the vitality that lies at the root of desire. She finds further significance in using the sap, or “blood,” of the lacquer tree as a medium to dually render life’s good and bad qualities.