Forewords – I am kawaii, more than that; I am colorful as well.
 

The first time I saw works of Maiko KOBAYASHI was about five or six years ago, in the opening ceremony of a solo exhibition in the affiliated gallery of Mori Art Museum. An array of unknown organisms, which looked a little bit weak and helpless, were hung in the tiny and fragile branches. Although I’m not sure whether the branches or organisms were helpless, out of maternal instinct, I couldn’t help touching them, just like I saw a baby and touch it. That is a strong attachment beyond words. So I couldn’t help buying them. 
 

Then last year in Ginza, where the solo exhibition was held, I saw Maiko’s brand new and colorful work series. The changes of work itself amazed me. I immediately invited her to hold a solo exhibition in Shanghai. 
 

For this impulsive invitation, the artist said yes without hesitation. So her elves are going to visit Shanghai. The little guys in the works seem to be shouting: ‘I am kawaii, more than that; I am colorful as well.
 

Those ‘colors’ expect you to taste and enjoy after you came back from your hometown when finishing the holidays of Chinese New Year.
 

In order to hide our weakness, we always show our toughness; but in order to legitimize our behaviors, we always tell many baffling excuses.
 

Then, in the end we will meet unconditional love and perfect loneliness. Because of unwilling to accept the fear, unworthiness, greed and unyieldingness, we are afraid of facing our own hearts. 
 

Actually, the work of every artist is her own portrait and her diary as well. Her kawaii elves look a little bit helpless and frightened because of artist’s painful memories of being bullied by classmates during the schooldays.
 

Does your memory reappear in this kawaii scene?

 

Shun, at old house in Shanghai