A Dream Come True: My Participation in Volta Basel

Volta Basel, held in a venue right next to the world-renowned Art Basel, takes place during the same week and draws seasoned collectors and gallerists from across the globe.
With carefully curated selections from galleries worldwide, it has become a must-see art fair for art lovers everywhere.

I had known about Volta Basel for several years. However, I always felt that it was too soon for me to participate—until I could create a body of work I was truly proud of. It remained a long-standing goal: one day, I would join.

After years of study, reflection, and countless moments of doubt, I finally reached the point where I decided to take on an enormous theme that had long lived within me—Nirvana.
In Buddhism, Nirvana is the ultimate place of peace, longed for by all who seek the path. It is a realm no one has seen, attainable only by those who have reached enlightenment. The concept was so vast that for an entire year, I struggled daily with how to approach its expression.

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A Deep Longing for Nirvana

My wish to depict Nirvana began many years ago, rooted in a fanciful desire to share lunch with the Buddha himself.
As the only human known to have achieved enlightenment during his lifetime, I often found myself wondering—what did the world look like through his eyes? What would he tell me about that realm over lunch?

Of course, such a conversation is not possible. All I could do was follow the words he left behind and imagine.
Interestingly, as I explored modern neuroscience and quantum theory, I found surprising parallels with the teachings of the Buddha. It deepened my curiosity and led me to consider—what exactly was he perceiving when he discovered the truths of this world?

Through these many perspectives, I gradually began to build my own worldview of Nirvana.

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Sending Nirvana Out into the World

After years of reflection, I was finally able to present my imagined world of Nirvana at the art fair I had long admired.
But as the exhibition approached, anxiety set in. Would my concept resonate with people from around the world? Would the unique techniques I had developed draw any interest at all?
On the first day, I was so tense that those around me were visibly concerned—I was that overwhelmed by nerves.

But to my surprise, many people stood quietly in front of my work, taking time to truly engage with it.
I was asked again and again about the concept and my techniques, and had the opportunity to speak with visitors in depth. When I shared my belief that “Nirvana is a place of perfect harmony and quiet beauty—but if possible, I hope this world can become such a place too,” I found that people from all over the world, equally saddened by ongoing wars and conflict, deeply empathized with the sentiment.

Among the many visitors, one man stood for a long time in front of the painting.
Watching from behind, I felt an inexplicable sense that he should become the owner. I felt a shared energy between him and the artwork.
When I heard from the fair representative that the negotiation had been successful, I was shocked—but above all, I was filled with gratitude and quiet joy that such a wonderful person would become the owner of the piece. In that moment, I truly felt that all my efforts had been worthwhile.

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Looking Ahead to Next Year

This exhibition, centered around Nirvana, brought together works born from years of Buddhist study, contemplation, and artistic translation.
I received generous words of praise and heartfelt reactions from many people. That experience gave me the confidence that the concept I wrestled with, and the Tsuchisaiga technique I’ve developed through endless trial and error, have now matured into something that can stand proudly on the world stage.

My social media channels also gained many new followers, and my posts and reels received warm, thoughtful comments.
In today’s world, it has become so much easier to send messages directly from the studio to people around the globe. I now have even more opportunities to share the depth of my concepts and the emotions behind my creative process.

Though the fair has just ended, I already feel a strong desire to share new works with those who connected with my vision at Volta Basel.
If possible, I would love to return next year with an even deeper body of work and continue this conversation with the world.

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