Nature and Landscape in Contemporary Representation-A Comparative View on Japanese and Western Art

Abstract

In western countries, nature is traditionally and basically an object to confront with, and man vs. nature is, to some extent, regarded as adversarial relationship, even in transcendental ideas. Reflecting such viewpoints, landscapes were composed with distinct horizon, with one point-focused mathematical perspective, which renders an orienteering function for man, specifying the rational relationship of man and nature. In contrast to the western idea of nature, the characteristics of traditional representation and thought of nature in Japan was not analyzing it critically, but being sensible to it. However, it is remarkable to note, that the contemporary representations of landscapes are beyond schematization of cultural differences. As a common denominator, contemporary landscapes tend to avoid horizon or precise control of perspectives, and rather favor a viewpoint of sights that are too near or too far, due to the uncertainness of nature-human relationship. Japan has experienced the disaster of Tsunami and nuclear accident, and we are still suffering with their aftermath. It seems that the Japanese are forced to search for a new lifestyle based on a new perspective of nature. Art has limitless possibilities and potentialities suggesting various aspects of nature, which could be an impetus to create our perception and recognition of nature, regardless of being intimate or distant from people.