Jonathan Nishimoto - Shou Ga Nai (てしょうがない)

"Sho Ga Nai" integrates charcoaled wood, Dorodango mud balls, and inlaid gold to explore themes of Japanese history, loss, and the journey to rediscover oneself amidst adversity. Through the fusion of these elements, Nishimoto aims to evoke the resilience of the human spirit, symbolizing the process of transformation and the beauty that emerges from struggle. Each component represents a layer of experience, with the burnt wood signifying destruction, the Dorodango mud balls embodying the meditative practice of creating and the inlaid gold symbolizing the intrinsic value and strength found within. Ultimately, this work invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys of loss, resilience, and self-discovery, finding solace in the beauty that arises from the ashes.