Painting
Sou Desu Ne
acrylic on canvas, 50 x 60 cm
exhibited at Art Jakarta Gardens 2024, Can’s Gallery
"そうですね" (sou desu ne) translates to "that's right" or "I see." The former is used to express agreement, while the latter simply indicates that you are listening. This was the scene I observed while riding the train in Fukuoka, Japan.
I noticed a girl talking animatedly, her passion evident in every gesture. Her friend, sitting beside her, was deeply engaged, responding with occasional affirmations of "sou, sou" or "sou da ne," or simply nodding in agreement. The dynamic between them was captivating. It was as if the train ride had become a stage for their conversation, where every nod and utterance played a part in the unfolding drama.
The scene was a vivid reminder of my own school days, where friendships and conversations were the backdrop of daily life. There was something nostalgic about witnessing such earnest communication—a simple yet profound interaction that spoke to the essence of human connection. The train, moving steadily through the city, felt like a vessel carrying these small, intimate moments through the expanse of Fukuoka, and I couldn’t help but be drawn into the quiet rhythm of their exchange.