Rise — Tonbo Dragonfly Series | Original Framed Panel Painting

TONBO — Dragonfly Series

The Tonbo Series is a four-piece body of work by a young Chinese artist and university educator, inspired by the experience of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s live performance and the enduring spirit of his iconic song Tonbo (とんぼ / “Dragonfly”).

In Tonbo, the dragonfly carries an emotional world far larger than the insect itself—aspiration, struggle, loneliness, freedom, and the determination to continue forward while remaining true to oneself. Drawing from that spirit, the artist transforms the dragonfly into a recurring visual symbol of youth and the pursuit of one’s own path.

Across four compositions, the dragonfly rises, hovers, touches the water, and spreads its wings. Each captures a different moment in the journey, while together they form a meditation on ambition, uncertainty, resilience, and freedom.

I. 

Rise

Set against an energetic field of luminous green, Rise presents the dragonfly from an unexpected perspective, its body reaching upward as translucent wings extend across the composition.

The upward movement embodies the central spirit of the Tonbo Series: the desire to move forward despite uncertainty. The dragonfly becomes a symbol of youthful ambition—the courage to leave what is familiar, pursue something greater, and remain true to oneself along the way.

Vivid reds contrast against layered greens, creating a work that feels both immediate and optimistic. Presented in a substantial wood frame with a dark layered finish and light inner border, the painting arrives ready to display.

Details:

Artwork Size: 40 × 50 cm (15.7 × 19.7 in)

Framed Size: 62 × 72 cm (24.4 × 28.3 in)

Medium: Panel Painting

Frame: Wood Frame

Orientation: Vertical / Portrait

Series: Tonbo — Dragonfly Series

Artwork: Original

Presentation: Framed and ready to display