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DEC 2023

Richard Nadler

Izanami Islands

128 artworks

Richard Nadler frequently visited Japan with his father in his youth. The process of reading Katsushika Hokusai's "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" while he was in Okinawa served as a source of inspiration for his creative endeavours, kindling fantasies of mythological stories that were intertwined with the ocean and the islands. The Japanese islands unfolded in his thoughts like a cinematic creation, complete with waves, beaches, volcanic landscapes, jungles, architecture, and coastlines. He was able to experience all of these things. These dreams made their way into his artworks with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The story of Izanami and Izanagi, the siblings who sculpted the Japanese islands according to mythology is heartfelt and fraught with symbolism. It serves as the foundation for this series of work, which investigate the concepts of creation, mortality, and the repercussions of interfering with the divine presence.

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JUL 2023

Richard Nadler

Yamabushi's Horizons

128 artworks

Yamabushi are revered as mountain priests or ascetic hermits in Japan, devoutly following the ancient traditions of Shugendō. This spiritual practice intertwines elements of Buddhism, Shintoism, and the indigenous worship of mountains. The very name "yamabushi" itself translates to "those who find solace in the mountains." Every artwork within this series exudes an undeniable spirit of motivation, resonating with the echoes of Yamabushi's teachings. It serves as a profound reminder that life's challenges should not be feared, but embraced as transformative opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Generated through a custom AI model, Yamabushi's Horizons landscapes and strokes of generative-like art act as visual metaphors, reflecting the profound wisdom of Yamabushi and empowering us to harness our inner strength and nurture resilience.

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DEC 2022

Richard Nadler

My better half | Watashi no yoriyoi hanbun | 私のより良い半分

Unique

In a small gallery in the heart of Tokyo, a heartwarming artwork caught the eye of a young man named Taro. The piece was called "My Better Half," and it depicted two brothers, their faces gently touching. Taro was immediately drawn to the painting, and he felt a deep sense of connection to the brothers depicted in it. He had a close relationship with his own brother, and the artwork made him feel grateful for the bond they shared. As he stood there, lost in thought, the artist who had created the piece walked up to him. His name was Koji, and he was a talented young painter who had been inspired by his own relationship with his brother to create the artwork. Koji explained to Taro that the brothers in the painting were himself and his older brother, who he had always looked up to and admired. He told him that they had been through a lot together, and that they supported and loved each other unconditionally. Taro was moved by Koji's story, and he felt a deep admiration for their relationship. He asked him if he would be willing to paint a portrait of himself and his own brother, so that he could have a beautiful reminder of their bond. Koji agreed, and over the next few weeks, he worked tirelessly to create a stunning painting that captured the essence of Taro's relationship with his brother. When it was finished, he presented it to him, and Taro was overwhelmed by its beauty. Taro hung the painting in his living room, and every time he looked at it, he felt a sense of warmth and love. It reminded him of all the good times he had shared with his brother, and of the unbreakable bond they shared. And he was grateful to Koji for helping him to cherish and appreciate that bond.

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Richard Nadler

Futuristic Monk | Mirai no shūdō-shi | 未来の修道士

10 editions

In a distant future, Japan had undergone a radical transformation. Advances in technology and science had enabled the creation of new and wondrous things, but they had also brought about great change and upheaval. In the midst of this chaos, a young monk named Akira sought to find inner peace and clarity. Raised in a traditional temple high in the mountains, Akira had been trained in the ways of the ancient sages and had mastered the art of meditation and mindfulness. But he was also curious about the world outside the temple, and he yearned to explore the new technologies and innovations that were reshaping society. One day, Akira decided to leave the temple and venture out into the world. He traveled to the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, where he was amazed by the sights and sounds of the futuristic city. Everywhere he looked, he saw towering skyscrapers and gleaming machines, and he heard the hum of robots and machines working tirelessly. But Akira soon discovered that not everyone in the city was happy. Many people were stressed and overworked, and they struggled to keep up with the relentless pace of change. Akira saw people who were lost and disconnected, and he felt a deep sense of compassion for them. Determined to help them, Akira began to offer his services as a monk. He taught people the ancient wisdom of mindfulness and meditation, and he helped them to find inner peace and clarity. Over time, Akira's reputation grew, and more and more people sought him out for his guidance. In the end, Akira realized that his mission was not just to help individuals, but to inspire a wider cultural shift towards mindfulness and balance. He continued to teach and practice in the city, and he remained a beacon of light and hope in an increasingly chaotic world.

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Richard Nadler

Burnout | Bān'auto | バーンアウト

24 editions

Once upon a time in Japan, there was a man named Kenji who worked as a salaryman in a large corporation. From a young age, Kenji had been taught the importance of hard work and dedication, and he threw himself into his job with a fierce determination to succeed. He spent long hours at the office, often working late into the night and on weekends, and he rarely took time off for himself. Over time, however, the demands of his job began to take a toll on him. He started to feel burnt out and exhausted, and he struggled to keep up with the pace of work. One day, Kenji reached his breaking point. He was working on an important project and was under immense pressure to deliver it on time, but he was so tired that he could barely think straight. In the end, he made a mistake that cost the company a lot of money and caused him to lose face in front of his colleagues. Devastated by his failure, Kenji realized that he had let his work consume him and that he had neglected other important aspects of his life. Feeling lost and unsure of what to do next, Kenji decided to take a step back and reassess his priorities. He quit his job and started traveling, exploring different parts of Japan and immersing himself in the country's rich culture and history. Along the way, he met new people and made new friends, and he gradually began to rediscover his passion for life. In the end, Kenji learned that true success was not just about achieving great things in his career, but also about finding balance and fulfillment in all areas of his life.

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