Connecting Hearts and the Universe through Thread Mandala Art - Mutsumi/睦
In this interview, we speak with Mutsumi（睦）, a Tokyo-based thread mandala artist. Originally dedicated to welfare work, she has been involved in caring for children and the elderly, and is also a yoga instructor. Her journey as a thread mandala artist began when she started teaching the craft to children as part of her welfare activities.
-What inspired you to start creating thread mandalas?
Mutsumi:
Initially, it was part of my welfare activities. I’ve been involved in welfare work for a long time, caring for the elderly and children with disabilities or those who can’t attend school for various reasons. In this context, I discovered "thread mandala" as a way to help with the emotional care and learning of children.
Thread mandalas, where strings are wound around nails while counting numbers, are used in Steiner education in Germany as a way to familiarize children with prime numbers and arithmetic. In Japan, math classes are often seen as dull because children are made to memorize times tables through rote repetition. Unfortunately, some children grow to dislike math due to their inability to adapt to these methods.
I began incorporating thread mandalas into classes for children with the hope of providing a fun alternative to memorization and difficult lessons.
-So, you initially started it as part of your welfare work rather than as an artist. How did this evolve into your current activities as an artist?
Mutsumi:
I began showcasing my work as an artist to popularize thread mandalas. At first, it was more about spreading awareness than artistic expression. One day, some children from America visited my class. Their parents doubted they could sit still for any activity, but the children were surprisingly engrossed in making thread mandalas, showing remarkable concentration.
Thread mandalas not only enhance children’s focus but also help them familiarize themselves with numbers and calculations, while honing their expressive and sensory skills. Realizing its potential, I started working on increasing the awareness of thread mandalas, which led me to create my own pieces and participate in exhibitions.
-It seems your art has a strong message and unique style now. What caused this shift in your approach?
Mutsumi:
Initially, my focus was on spreading thread mandalas, but I realized that I had been unconsciously embedding various messages in my work. Now, I see meaning in using thread mandalas to express human duality and societal messages. In high school, I was involved in theater, which continued alongside my welfare work. Supporting people through welfare and conveying messages through artistic expression have always been dual aspects of my life.
-What thoughts do you put into your creations?
Mutsumi:
My work isn’t just about creating beautiful pieces; I also depict the dual nature of humans and the "shadow" aspects of life. Even a slight misalignment can cause distortions in our lives. I believe that ugliness, shadow, and distortion are inherent in human existence. Society often doesn’t accept this duality. Through my work, I want to communicate these societal messages. Exploring the essence of life, humanity, and the universe is the potential of thread mandalas.
-Thread mandalas originate from Buddhist art, and you’re also a yoga instructor. Could you explain the connection between Zen, thread mandalas, and your work?
Mutsumi:
Thread mandalas are deeply connected with numbers, and counting has been a form of meditation since ancient times. Creating thread mandalas is a mindfulness practice that connects us to the universe. Though not directly related to Buddhism, my family lineage includes Shinto priests, making spirituality familiar to me since childhood. Starting as part of my welfare work, thread mandalas have become a means of expressing the vast universe within the human heart, aligning with my soul’s desire.
-What kind of artistic expressions do you aspire to create in the future?
Mutsumi:
I aim to delve deeper into expressing the individual’s darkness. Yoga philosophy teaches that the individual is deeply connected to the universe. I want to create works that evoke this connection.
Representative work
"Harmony and Distortion"
This piece comprises two thread mandalas made with the same number of nails and calculations. Despite using the same formula, one mandala appears as a beautiful floral pattern while the other looks distorted. By juxtaposing these two, I expressed the yin and yang of life. The piece reflects my desire for people to find harmony whenever they experience distortions in their daily lives.
Other works
"Flower of Life"
Mutsumi（睦）
Born in Tokyo, Mutsumi is a thread mandala artist, actor, and representative of the general incorporated association SVAHA. She is also a yoga instructor. Alongside her artistic endeavors, she has been actively involved in welfare activities, starting a business in Setagaya Ward in 2010. Her wide-ranging activities include supporting women’s total care from fertility to child-rearing, assisting with employment transition for people with disabilities, overseeing nursery school exercise programs, and writing for specialized magazines. With ten years of experience in caregiving, eighteen years as a yoga instructor, and thirteen years as an educational instructor, Mutsumi is a unique artist.
■Exhibition History
- 2022 Saitama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art "ZEN Exhibition" - Grand Prize
- 28th Japan Art Exhibition Selected Artist Exhibition @ Ueno Royal Museum
- 21st Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum "ZEN Exhibition" - Performance Award
- Japan-France Diplomatic Establishment 165th Anniversary Commemorative "2nd Japan-France Friendship Original Stamp Exhibition in Paris" - Grand Prize
- 2023 Saitama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art "ZEN Exhibition" - Excellence Award
- 2023 Yokohama Civic Art Gallery "ZEN Exhibition" - Award of Merit
- 2023 "NY Open Call Exhibition" - Prize Winner
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