Cloud 9 in the 7th Heaven

For the highest happiness of inner transformation

 

 

 

 

Baudelaire had a stranger speak in his poem. 

 

- I love the clouds... the passing clouds... over there... over there...

the marvelous clouds !  

 

Me,too. 

And I know that we human souls are inherently more beautiful, greater and freer than those gorgeous clouds that continue to fascinate me. 

 

As Mahatma Gandhi said,

 

'The human soul is stronger than the atomic bomb'.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                          -Setsuko Chiba

 

 

 

 

 Setsuko chooses the fascinating clouds moving freely across the sky as a common visual language that transcends all differences to raise awareness of the global issues we face today - climate change and environmental problems, and also to convey great love of  Mother planet. 

 These pieces are visualised poems based on her philosophy of the dignity of life and love as a poet. 

 Like a celestial wanderer, Setsuko found her muse in the grandeur of the heavens. Inspired by dancing and floating clouds with sun shining, stardust and the kiss of the moonbeam, she gave birth to Cloud9 in the 7th heaven, pure bliss.

 Perhaps it was the robe of sparkling dawn and the velvety embrace of twilight, or the whispers of constellations in cosmic space, that urged her soul to dance upon imgination, creating galaxies, dreams and ethereal enchantments.

 In the seventh heaven, where angels tread, she glimpsed secrets the mortal world had shed. Her wings unfurled, whispering tales of love, resilience and celestial trails.

 Setsuko's heart, a compass pointing skyward, guided her hands as if inspired by starlight. She created hope with the colours of nebulae, and wove poetry into the Milky Way. But she knew it was no illusion. She knows it has lived in our hearts and souls beyond all differences. And she tells us, in the language of the clouds, that inner transformation is what truly carries us peace and freedom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brilliance of the spirit of freedom in looking upside down(2 panels), 2024

Photography, 420x297mm each

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inner exploration, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

Inner Transformation in Cloud9 in the 7th Heaven

 

 

In Setsuko Chiba’s “Cloud 9 in the 7th Heaven”, the concept of inner transformation plays a central role. 

 

In her series titled “Cloud 9 in the 7th Heaven,” Setsuko celebrates inner transformation as the highest form of happiness. As same as Baudelaire’s poem, she expresses her love for passing clouds and their mesmerizing beauty. However, she recognizes that human souls are inherently more beautiful, greater, and freer than those clouds. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, “The human soul is stronger than the atomic bomb”.

Setsuko uses clouds as a universal visual language that transcends differences. Through her art, she raises awareness about global issues such as climate change and environmental problems. Her visualized poems reflect her philosophy of life’s dignity and love. Clouds become metaphors for resilience, hope, and the transformative power within us.

Setsuko’s message is clear: inner transformation is what truly carries us toward peace and freedom. Beyond all differences, this inner journey resides in our hearts and souls. Through the language of clouds, she invites us to embrace our own transformative power.

Each artwork of her reflects her exploration of inner realms and the resilience of the human spirit.

In summary, Setsuko Chiba’s art serves as a mirror, reflecting the inner landscapes we all navigate. It encourages us to transform, find hope, and embrace the celestial beauty within. 

 

 

 

 

I believe that one of the roles of art is to make visible the presence of forces of life that are invisible to the naked eye. I am particularly fascinated by creating works of art that depict the way clouds flowing in the sky structure the landscape one by one, freely transforming their beautiful shapes. For there is the will, the power, the beauty and mercy of nature beyond the reach of human knowledge. The Universe of Life always seems to open its arms in its great embrace to lead us human beings living on Earth towards a way of life for the respect of life, peace and mature humanity. This guidance and embrace is invisible to the naked eye, but is reflected in the eyes of the heart and soul. It is the crystal-clear structure and the celestial poetry, which leads us to better transformation.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              -Setsuko Chiba                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Force of transformation, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

Short Description

 

 

Metaphorical Journey

Setsuko Chiba invites us on a metaphysical journey through her visual poem. The “7th Heaven” represents a higher state of consciousness and action, where inner growth and enlightenment occur.

Clouds, often associated with impermanence and change, symbolize our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. As we ascend through the opening heart and mind, we undergo a transformative process.

 

Transcending Boundaries

The clouds in the artwork are not mere meteorological phenomena; they represent our inner landscape. By engaging with them, we transcend physical limitations.

Inner transformation involves breaking free from self-imposed boundaries, fears, and attachments. It’s a flight toward clarity and self-awareness.

 

Embracing Light and Shadow

The interplay of light and shadow within the clouds mirrors life’s dualities. We encounter joy and sorrow, success and failure, love and loss.

Inner transformation requires acknowledging both aspects—the light illuminating our strengths and the shadow revealing our vulnerabilities.

 

Harmony with Nature

Setsuko’s celestial imagery connects us to the natural world. Clouds drift across the sky, oblivious to borders and divisions.

Inner transformation aligns us with the rhythm of nature. Just as clouds harmonize with wind currents, we find balance within ourselves.

 

Silent Dialogue

The silence of the heavens speaks volumes. In stillness, we listen to our inner voice—the whisper of intuition and wisdom.

Inner transformation involves active listening—to our hearts, to the universe, and to the interconnectedness of all life.

 

Transmutation of Emotions

Clouds change shape, merge, and disperse. Similarly, our emotions shift and transform.

Inner alchemy occurs when we transmute negative emotions into compassion, forgiveness, and love.

 

In summary, “Cloud 9 in the 7th Heaven” invites us to embark on an inner odyssey. It encourages us to shed old layers, embrace vulnerability, and soar toward self-realization. Through this transformation, we become part of the cosmic dance—a dance of clouds, light, and eternity. 

 

 

 

 

 

New mythological beginnings , 2024