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.




Copyright Notice for All Images:
© 2011-2025 Pix4Japan. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.
Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.



Daisei Iketani

Discover Japan’s hidden gems within a day’s drive from Tokyo. From city nightscapes to serene shrines, I capture their beauty and stories—often with my loyal border collie by my side. Explore Japan beyond the guidebooks!

Previous
Previous

Forest Bath

Next
Next

Sequoyah Aono