Expo of Japanese origin artist in Auroville

The exhibits on display at an expo by Japanese origin Auroville artist Jyoti Naoki Eri at the Centre ‘d Art.
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Japanese-origin Aurovilian Jyoti Naoki Eri becomes a metaphysical explorer of the concept of time as he prepares a contemplative space in which viewers encounter unseen dimensions of reality at an exhibition that began at the Centre d’ Art in Auroville.

“Still Here”, is part of the multidisciplinary artist’s ongoing series, “A Time Trilogy” that explores and visualises layered perceptions of time. Rooted in Eastern philosophy and informed by modern science, the works seek a meeting point between spirituality and contemporary thought.

“In my artistic practice, time functions as a fundamental medium, shaping conception, process, and creation. Establishing a conscious relationship with time is essential to transforming inspiration into form,” said Mr. Eri.

Time, in the physical world, is one of the few universally shared dimensions — beyond ownership or control. Spiritually, however, he experiences time as neither linear nor fixed, but as multidimensional and all-encompassing.

The works which draw from Eastern landscape traditions such as “Sansui” blur the boundary between subject and background. Nature dominates the frame, while human presence is minimal or symbolic, accentuating the inner state and a spiritual dimension. For the artist, these landscapes reflect his inner states and invite the viewer into the work, rather than positioning them as a distant observer.

This approach is central to Archaeology of Transcending Light (A.O.T.L.), in which he reimagines landscape through contemporary abstraction, inspired by introspection and an inward process of concentration. In this sense, the act of discovering the self feels like an archaeological excavation — as if uncovering ancient treasures, “where past and future appear fluid and, ultimately, interchangeable”.

The Japanese concept of “Ma”, or the space between, deeply informs the artistic engagement. “I understand Ma as a realm where duality comes to rest, where silence, space, and subtle perception allow meaning to emerge. In Tibet, the intermediate state between life and death is called Bardo — a realm in which different forms of life force are encountered and engaged. I find these cultural connections deeply resonant,” said Mr. Eri.

In his upcoming exhibition, Jyoti plans to showcase around 30 – 40 pieces of his recent paintings alongside recent ceramic works, several sound art installations featuring handcrafted speakers he designed and built. These sound installations focus on atmosphere, frequency, and silence rather than structure, inviting deep listening and introspection.

The exhibition will also include related events, such as a sound bath experience, a Japanese tea ceremony, and an artist’s talk with a slideshow.

The expo is on till March 11 (Tuesday to Friday 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.).