Miyako means capital. 

 

Long before Tokyo was the capital city of Japan, Kyoto, otherwise known as Heian-kyō ‘peaceful capital’, was the imperial capital during and after the Heian Period (794 - 1185) for over a thousand years.

 

The Heian Period was a classical era known for its peace and prosperity and it was the peak of imperial court life. Art, literature and poetry flourished and uniquely Japanese scripts for writing were invented with the decline of Chinese influence. It is fondly remembered as Japan's Golden Age that greatly influenced the country's culture.

 

Kyoto is now known as the cultural capital of Japan with its traditional machiya architecture and over two thousand Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples within the city. Traditional professions and ways of making kimono, arts and crafts can still be observed there today. The city is at the intersection of traditional Japanese culture and modern life.

 

Miyako is also the first kanji character that spells Kyoto, Amy’s Japanese hometown. It has been ten years since she has lived in the city and five years since she was last able to visit.

 

These new works were made under the themes of longing to go back to places that are dear to us, but physically not being able to because of the ongoing pandemic. The aching of the heart that misses family and friends abroad and yearns to be back in a specific place or second home. 

 

This exhibition is a topical reminder of the emotional cost of the pandemic and not being able to be with the people and places that we love, but with the hope that we may be reunited soon.