Artist Miwa Komatsu painting live at Itsukushima Shrine.

On October 26, a dedication of a live painting by Miwa Komatsu was held in conjunction with the completion of the shrine’s restoration work. Komatsu has a deep connection with Hiroshima, as her work "地球が涙を流した日 広島から広がる、平和への祈り, (2022)” was dedicated and exhibited at Hiroshima train station this year in remembrance of the day Hiroshima was bombed.

Live painting scene

Live painting scene

The artist walks to the vermillion torii gates of Itsukushima in the scaffolding after three years of major restoration work. As always in her live painting, Komatsu begins with a prayer of gratitude before she makes her descent on the three canvases. The "Holy Island of Great Harmony and Prayer" created during the live painting will be on display in front of the main shrine until November 6th.

Vermillion torii scaffolding under restoration. A red carpet was specially laid out for the live painting.

“Holy Island of Great Harmony and Prayer" on display in front of the main shrine.

Miwa Komatsu

Photos by Tatsuya Azuma, Teppei Kishida.