uutoutou-nonverbal series

about "uutoutou-nonverbal" Series

"Uutoutou" is an Okinawan dialect referring to the act of praying to one's ancestors, offering respect, and seeking protection and guidance.

The inspiration for this series comes from a personal experience that Ryoko Goto had in Okinawa. While visiting the home of her best friend, the friend's family prayed for Ryoko's safe journey as she was returning to Tokyo. This warm prayer left a strong impression on her, providing a new perspective on human connection, especially given her upbringing in Tokyo, where human relationships often felt distant.

The first piece in the Uutoutou series was exhibited at GEISAI in 2008, leading to a commission for a large-scale work from Cape Town, South Africa. As of 2025, this work remains her largest piece.

As the series progressed, it expanded to encompass broader meanings, leading to the decision to incorporate the term "nonverbal," which conveys the idea of universal, non-verbal communication, into the series name.

Through the use of layered oil paint and texture, this series aims to capture the subtle emotions and depth that words cannot fully express, moving towards a more abstract representation.