A o i r o h a

- あおいろは -

"Aoiroha" is a word coined by Asami. Ao means blue in Japanese, and Iroha refers to an ancient Japanese poem from the 10th–11th century, unique for its use of every syllable in the Japanese language.

Even the blossoming flowers
will eventually scatter —
who in our world is unchanging?
The deep mountains of karma
we cross them today,
and shall not be superficial, nor be deluded.

This collection uses two dominant shades of blue: indigo, depicting winter mountains and the sea, and pale blue, representing icy glaciers. Asami wanted to translate onto canvas the tranquil silence and fragility she associates with the colour blue. Just as the blossoming flowers in the Iroha poem are destined to scatter, she drew a parallel with glaciers that will eventually melt into many shades of blue — an image of the invariable array of emotions that life brings.

Abstract watercolor painting with black, gray, blue, white, and red brushstrokes in a neutral light wooden frame
An abstract watercolor painting in light blue, black, yellow, and beige tones framed in wood, signed by Asami Nakamura.
Abstract watercolor painting with shades of blue, brown, orange, and black on a white background, framed and mounted on a white wall.
Abstract watercolor painting with blue, brown, and orange swoops and washes, framed in white. Artist is Asami Nakamura.
An abstract watercolor painting with splashes of blue, orange, black, and peach colors on a white background, framed in a simple white frame.
Abstract art painting with black, gray, light blue, and white shades in a wooden frame hung on a white wall.
An abstract painting with bold black and gray brushstrokes and textured white and brown accents, framed and hanging on a white wall.
An abstract painting with black, gray, and white brushstrokes, a large blue-gray wash, and orange and red lines, framed in a light wood frame.
Close-up of a white canvas with an abstract painting featuring swirling black and gray lines, a bold red line across the middle, and small black, blue, and white dots. The artist's name, Asami Nakamura, is visible at the bottom.
Abstract painting with black, white, red, gray, and blue brushstrokes, with a prominent white cloud and curved lines.
Abstract watercolor painting with a large black shape in the bottom left corner, blue and beige splashes, and textured orange and yellow streaks in the top right corner.
A boxed watercolor painting of a map, signed by Asami Nakamura, with a wooden frame visible along the right edge.
Abstract watercolor painting with shades of blue, peach, orange, and gray, including splashes and textured areas.
An abstract artwork with large brush strokes in shades of brown, cream, blue, and orange, with connecting black lines and handwritten script.
Abstract watercolor painting with blue, black, brown, and yellow splashes and brush strokes.
Abstract watercolor painting with dark blue, light blue, brown, and white colors, featuring textured brush strokes and splatters.
Abstract artwork featuring textured brush strokes in black, white, beige, and gold.
Close-up of abstract watercolor artwork with blue, brown, black, and beige brushstrokes and textures.
Abstract watercolor painting with blue, black, beige, and white colors and swirling shapes.
A black and white watercolor painting of a sleeping baby.
Abstract watercolor painting featuring black, gray, and blue brushstrokes with various textures and circular patterns.
Abstract painting on a vertical canvas with shades of black, gray, white, and hints of browns, featuring flowing shapes and textures.
Abstract black and white brushstroke painting with swirling patterns.