New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU) presents an exhibition of three artists who explore the cyclical nature of life, nature, and energy and how each of these forces contributes to personal healing. Through their work, these artists delve into the subtleties of natural phenomena, reflecting on the constantly changing landscapes of both the external world and inner self. Each artwork invites viewers to embrace rejuvenating moments that inspire self-discovery and evoke a profound sense of inner vitality, while reflecting on the life around them. By celebrating the richness of being human —our unique ability to recognize beauty and the profound connection to nature’s cycles– each artist affirms that we are an integral part of the natural world.
Showcasing the artistic practices of the three featured artists, this exhibition explores the delicate equilibrium of humanity and nature, serving as a catalyst for meaningful conversations. Through their artistic collaboration these women hope to emulate and foster a deeper understanding of our interconnected roles, and an appreciation for our place in the intricate web of existence.
About the Artists
Chieko Shimizu Fujioka
Constantly exploring the interplay of light and color, Chieko Shimizu, a glass mosaic artist, endeavors to create pieces that capture the intricate beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Glass mosaic art is an exceptional form of artistic expression that melds elements of both abstract painting and traditional mosaic art. By meticulously layering diverse colors and then preserving them underneath shattered glass, Shimizu is capable of depicting the transience and evanescent nature of light, resulting in artworks that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply calming. Her artistic expression celebrates the quietest moments in life, imbuing viewers with an appreciation for the intricate nuances and subtle complexities that can be discovered in even the simplest of surroundings.
Moeko Machida
Moeko Machida, a Japanese artist, explores the quiet mysteries of life’s beauty through her paintings. Raised by biologist parents, she developed a deep sensitivity to unseen vitality and forces beyond sight—things that both moved and overwhelmed her. Art became her way of reaching out to these elusive essences of life. At Kyoto City University of Arts, she immersed herself in Japanese painting, learning the patience to truly see her subjects. Her practice of Butoh dance further shaped her view of the body as part of life’s constant flow, a concept she weaves into her work. Through her art, she invites others to share in the quiet wonder of existence. She has exhibited in Japan, Europe, and the San Francisco Bay Area, gaining deeper insight into the relationship between living spaces and art through commissions for traditional Japanese house paintings and hotel exhibitions.
Margaret Luo
Margaret Luo is a self-taught artist working in San Jose, California who turned to oil painting to develop a more emotional and human connection to people and nature. Her work explores both the forms and emotions of the natural world with reverence for the harmony and chaos inherent in nature, bringing to light the hidden and rhythmic patterns that often go unnoticed. Her works embrace the meditative and slow process of life, reminding viewers that nature reflects, contributes to, and is impacted by humanity on all scales of life. Luo’s oil paintings are exhibited in museums and businesses in California. Notably, Luo’s work received an honorable mention at the California Nature Art Museum’s California National Parks: Stories of Water Exhibition in 2023. Luo was also a 2024 Artist in Residence at the Cuttyhunk Island AIR program.
