Nina Cruz

Dreamscape IKU

stain on carved cherry

10″ x 11″ x 1.25″

2025

Not for sale

“Dreamscape IKU” features a Japanese Kokeshi toy. (An iconic and traditional toy originating over 150 years ago—born in Tohoku, northern Japan.) The natural grain of the cherry wood can be seen through the colorful painted stain layers. The hand carved relief and texture separates the painted dream from the painted dreamer. It’s a realm of delight and wonder, an imaginary place where a wooden toy can dream. IKU’s birthplace is here, within a cultural and mythical world of wood. But which one is the dream and which is the dreamer? Which one is the beginning? You, the viewer, can decide.