イモツキ (Imotski) is an original painting on canvas, inspired by the extraordinary Red Lake and, in part, the Blue Lake of Imotski, Croatia.

The title, イモツキ, comes from my first impression of the town’s name. When I first heard “Imotski,” I imagined it might be somewhere in Japan, as the arrangement of letters felt naturally suited to the sound and rhythm of a Japanese word.

Imotski is home to some of the most beautiful and unusual lakes I have ever seen. After seeing the Red Lake for the first time, I could not stop thinking about it. One night, I walked back to the lake and stood there for a long time, quietly staring into its depth. That moment stayed with me and became the emotional center of this work.

This painting took approximately 1 year to create. It is made with canvas, wood, acrylic paint, paper, fabric, construction foam, clay, cement, epoxy, and a range of tools and techniques used to bring its layered, multi-dimensional form to life.

Measuring 100 cm × 100 cm, イモツキ (Imotski) is a one-of-a-kind artwork. There is only one piece like it in the world.