Aiko Miyanaga's work is characterized by its impermanence. In 2003, she created shoe-shaped sculptures using naphthalene, an organic compound that sublimes from a solid to gas at room temperature. "Cinderella," for example, was a model of the fairy-tale heroine's glass slipper, which deteriorated over time, symbolizing the evanescence of the story's spell.
Enchanted by ephemerality, Miyanaga describes her work as nakasora — a take on the archaic word "nakazora," which refers to a restless state of mind; Oct. 13-Dec. 24.
The National Museum of Art, Osaka; (06) 6447-4680; 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka; Watanabebashi Station, Keihan Nakanoshima Line. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Fri. till 7 p.m.) ¥420. Closed Mon. (except Dec. 24). www.nmao.go.jp.
