Birds, Flowers, Moon, Kimono – Megumi Barrington Uenoyama

This exhibition is selected new print works from Orkney-based Japanese artist, Megumi Barrington Uenoyama, exploring themes relating to her dual cultural influences.

It represents a collection of work made during the first phase of the artist’s kimono project. Phase two will be exploring textile though printmaking. Phase three’s result will be a one-of-a-kind kimono. Several of the pieces take inspirations from Orkney’s windswept moorland, but Megumi’s Japanese heritage is ever-present throughout, for example in her woodcut prints.

“The essence of Orkney’s magic is silence, loneliness, and the deep marvellous rhythms of sea and land, darkness and light” George Mackay Brown (1921-1996).

This quote encapsulates the unique atmosphere of Orkney, emphasising the powerful interplay of natural elements and a sense of isolation that contributes to its captivating character.

Artist statement

My work explores the everyday rhythms of daily life and nature, exerting their influence on Orkney’s landscape, taking inspiration from the seasonal changes in the flora and fauna.

I often apply gold leaf to my work to represent my memories, respect for and reflections about Japan. Gazing at the beautiful moon and water in Orkney, I quietly recall and think of Japan with a sense of calm nostalgia.

When I first moved to the UK, I was immersed in my new culture, but over time I have come to acknowledge and respect all the different aspects of my life, and to bring them in harmony. I am also trying to do this in my work.

Curiosity and enthusiasm are my main motivations to explore my creative practice. I begin by enjoying rhythmic mark making, line drawing, Japanese calligraphy and photographing moments that captivate me during everyday life in Orkney.

Printmaking is currently the most important element of my creative practice.

Each printmaking process needs patience, technical attention and concentration in balance together so that I calm my excitement and work with a steady focus in a positive manner. But printmaking processes also allow me to experiment and to embrace unexpected results, capturing my respect for the rhythm, atmosphere, and motifs of each theme.

The artist has exhibited in a range of group shows, including Island Voices (Pier Arts Centre, 2025), Annual Exhibition (Pier Arts Centre, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024), Summer and Winter Exhibitions (Ship of Fools Gallery, 2025 & 2024), Seaweed Secret (Stromness Museum, 2024–25), Soulisquoy Printmakers Christmas Exhibition (Northlight Gallery, 2024), and Mother of the Sea (Orkney Science Festival, 2024, at both Ship of Fools and Northlight Galleries). Other exhibitions include Light Dark (Moti Collective, 2024), The Sea! The Sea! Tides and Transformations (Orkney Science Festival/Orkney Japan Association, 2023), Soulisquoy Printmakers 40th Exhibition (Pier Arts Centre, 2022–23), Roots (Moti Collective, 2022), and BREATHE DRAW PRINT (Kirkwall, 2021).

The artist has received awards including the Visual Artists and Craft Makers Awards Scheme (October 2021) and a Bronze Medal from the Japan Society London in the Yuru-chara mascot competition for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics (September 2021).