Blessed Dogs
Blessed Dogs by Niu: A Celebration of Joyful Motifs
ＮＩＵの世界観：箱根の作品『しあわせな犬』
The black sculpture, “Blessed Dogs,” by Niu, depicts two playful dogs leaping joyfully, their forms silhouetted against the sunlight. Installed at the Pola Museum in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, this artwork reflects the artist's focus on creating motifs that celebrate the happiness of animals, while the dogs' lively poses evoke a sense of freedom and connection with nature.
The artist Niu, born in 1972 in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, spent her early years in both Iwate and Saudi Arabia. At the age of 10, her family relocated to Tokyo, where she has lived ever since. She credits her grandmother, an accomplished artist, for nurturing her appreciation of painting and folk art during her childhood.
In 1994, Niu began a successful modeling career, appearing in magazines, advertisements, and on runways in fashion hubs such as Paris, Tokyo, and other Asian cities. Since 2002, she has showcased her talents as a multidisciplinary artist, presenting paintings, sculptures, installations, and photography. Her works often explore themes of nature, incorporating motifs of animals and plants.
Among her notable creations is the 2016 sculpture Blessed Dogs, which is displayed at the Pola Museum in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Accompanying this sculpture, Niu shares the following message:
“I hope that as many living things as possible can find freedom of mind and body and spend happy times—dogs, cats, wild animals, and humans alike.”
Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 09:17・2024/10/15
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/8
Acros film simulation
References:
Join me and my border collie as we explore the serene nature trail weaving through the woodlands surrounding the Pola Museum of Art in Hakone, Japan. Along the way, we capture travel photography, macro shots, and the vibrant autumn scenery.
