The hazy lines that are a visual characteristic of my work are a variation of the "Ko-roku" technique seen in Japanese painting, which makes not only shape but also shadow, dynamism, and a sense of atmosphere.
Umegram series
This work depicts the winter plum blossoms that bloom early amidst the harsh winter at the end of the year, set against a snowy landscape.
The plum, deeply connected to Japan's climate, has been closely intertwined with people's lives as a decoration due to its beauty and auspiciousness.
Its history has influenced culture and art, as seen in references in the traditional Nara period poetry collection, the Manyoshu.
The plum blossom, as the first flower to bloom after enduring the severe winter, symbolizes strong vitality and perseverance.
The Japanese, who do not forget their gratitude and awe towards nature, are captivated not just by the fleeting beauty of the plum blossom but by the process it represents—its vitality.
Choosing the plum as a motif now may reflect the artist's own state of mind.
Please feel the beginning of the season and the powerful life force it embodies.
Anagram series
Art is only complete when it is observed.
Contemporary art can sometimes be provocative and assertive, serving as a means to convey powerful messages.
However, isn’t the true essence of art found in the act of leaving the answers to the viewer?
The existence of an artist is merely a catalyst to question meaning.
There is no need to constantly question the meaning behind my ideas, identity, morals, rules, originality, or inspiration.
I cannot put myself into words, and so I have encapsulated that in a single painting.
This is also a meeting with your own story. The act of capturing a fleeting moment of interest with your eyes, imagining its content as you turn the page — that is my romance as an artist.
Serialism
Every time I lost sight of my pure curiosity and identity, I viewed my existence and my work objectively, and freely moved between the scale of the world and myself.
The basic concept of Gestalt is important to me, and is one of the things I want to convey.
To explain this simply, it is a whole picture in itself, and it is like a spell that breathes life into modern people, who lack awareness and are empty.
These are what appears on the surface is most important there is no need to delve deeper into the unconscious. People tend to get so obsessed with methods and answers that they lose sight of their pure motives and interests, but understanding the structure of their own karma, it is possible to rearrange the scenario of a life full of self-deprecation and attrition.
There's no need to think too hard about it, just feel free to get a feel for what the concept of shape is, riding on this pleasant sense of discomfort
I destruction the Gestalt for the viewer by vaguely the depth and continuous structure of space inherent in a flat surface, I created different perspectives and possibilities and named method of expression is "Serialism".
Biogram series
In ancient Japan, they were believed that all things, including plants, animals, humans, inanimate objects, and artificial objects, were imbued into life from a supernatural source. This work is also a biography of my heart, filling the screen with characters born from that idea, and I expressed the gap between concreteness and abstraction in a different shape.
Engram series
The environment in which the artist was born and raised, as well as their past works — and the time from inspiration to completion.
Painting might be a means of capturing time.
The Engram series began as an attempt to record and accumulate ever-changing emotions and values in their freshest state by filling one section of a divided canvas each day.
Through the traces woven by this repetition, I reflect on each passing day and hope it serves as a reminder of the everyday miracle of a new morning and an opportunity to look back on the path I’ve walked.
*Japanese Gal culture: derived from the English word "girl" refers to a Japanese subculture that emerged in the 1990s, characterized by a bold and unique fashion style.
This style originally developed as a way for young Japanese women to express individuality, defy traditional beauty standards, and create a rebellious, eye-catching image. Though its peak was in the early 2000s, gal remains an iconic and influential style, representing a bold and independent spirit in Japanese pop culture.
*Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese art form that flourished during the Edo period (17th to 19th centuries) and is characterized by woodblock prints and paintings depicting.
*Kabuki( 歌舞伎 ) is a traditional Japanese theatrical form that originated in the early 17th century during the Edo period. It is characterized by its elaborate costumes, distinctive makeup, and exaggerated acting style. Kabuki has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
*Bijin-ga( 美人画 ) developed primarily from the Edo period through the Meiji period. Rather than merely serving as portraits, Bijin-ga captured idealized images of women, embodying social and cultural ideals of beauty and aspirations toward femininity of that time. This genre was particularly popular in Ukiyo-e, showcasing not only fashion and aesthetics but also reflecting society's values and the admiration for certain female qualities.
*Shunga( 春画 ) refers to a genre of erotic art that was prominent in Japan, particularly during the Edo period (1603-1868). Shunga depicts explicit scenes of intimacy, often with humor or fantasy, to celebrate human pleasure and affection. Shunga was accepted and enjoyed by people across different social classes and was not heavily restricted by moral conventions of the time. Instead, it served as both art and entertainment and was sometimes used for educational purposes, providing insights into relationships and customs of the era.
*Shodo ( 書道 ) is a highly respected art form rooted in Chinese calligraphy, uniquely adapted within Japanese culture. It combines visual art with language, and considered a means of cultivating inner discipline and spiritual growth. This practice emphasizes control, patience, and harmony with nature, where each brushstroke is deliberate and expressive.
*Sado ( 茶道 ) is a traditional ritual centered on the preparation and enjoyment of tea, aimed at fostering spiritual growth and an appreciation for beauty. The ceremony emphasizes not merely drinking tea but learning manners, cultivating a calm mind, and embracing the spirit of Wabi-Sabi̶ the appreciation of simplicity, imperfection, and the transient nature of life.
*Kado ( 華道 ) is also known as the Japanese "way of flowers," is a traditional art form that emphasizes the arrangement of flowers and plants in harmony with their surroundings. Developed as a spiritual practice, ikebana involves careful selection and placement of materials, focusing on balance, line, and simplicity. Unlike Western floral arrangement, which often prioritizes an abundance of blooms, ikebana embraces empty space, asymmetry, and seasonal awareness, reflecting a deep respect for nature and the beauty of minimalism. This art form encourages a mindful, meditative approach, allowing practitioners to connect with nature and cultivate inner peace.
*Noh ( 能 ) is one of Japan’ s oldest performing arts, dating back over 600 years to the 14th century. It combines drama, music, and dance in a highly stylized and symbolic form, where masked performers use minimal movements and gestures to convey deep emotions and complex stories. Noh was influenced by Shinto and Buddhist beliefs and often explores themes of the supernatural, human suffering, and redemption.
*Shinto( 神道 ) is Japan's indigenous spiritual tradition, deeply ingrained in its culture and history. Unlike many major world religions, Shinto does not have a single doctrine or central scripture. It is more a way of life, emphasizing a close connection between humans, nature, and the divine. At the core of Shinto is the belief in kami, which refers to spirits or deities that exist in all aspects of the world̶nature, objects, places, and living beings. Shinto teaches reverence for these spirits, with practices that often involve rituals at shrines dedicated to various kami. These shrines can be found in natural settings such as forests, mountains, rivers, and even within homes. This reverence reflects a broader belief that everything in nature, from objects to beings, possesses a spiritual essence that deserves respect and veneration.
Shinto emphasizes harmony with the environment and acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life forms. This worldview has influenced Japanese culture, shaping everything from traditional arts and festivals to a general appreciation for nature, the changing seasons, and the cycles of life.
*Nakaima( 中今 ) is a Japanese concept often translated as "the eternal present" or "the here and now." It emphasizes a focus on the present moment as a time where all possibilities converge, transcending past and future. This idea has roots in Shinto, Japan’ s indigenous spirituality, and reflects a worldview that values living fully in each moment rather than being bound by past events or solely driven by future goals.
In Shinto, Nakaima relates to the appreciation of the current moment and an awareness of the divine in everyday life. It is seen as a way to connect with the natural world and the spiritual essence in all things. This philosophy influences various aspects of Japanese culture, including art, rituals, and the Japanese approach to mindfulness and presence. Embracing the present moment brings a sense of peace, balance, and connection to the larger energy of life.
Contemporary, Shape of Art
Kouhei Fukushima
I was born in the mid-90s, at the heart of a turning point for subcultures like the internet and Gal culture, and I grew up in a unique era defined by games and anime like Pokémon, Monster Hunter, Animal Crossing, NARUTO, and ONE PIECE. Although the internet was becoming more widespread, back then, the primary way to play games with friends was through infrared connections. This served as one of the main ways to connect and communicate with others. For Japanese people, who often struggle with direct communication, having a share common communication is essential. Immersed in these various culture, which could be considered a form of "Japanese Pop Art", I spent learning many important things, such as artistic expression, potential, and philosophical thought from the worlds of manga, anime and games.
This essay discusses "contemporary art"and "contemporary forms of art" through my personal filter without a formal art education, and aims to demonstrate the "rationality of art" in modern society by exploring the definition and possibilities of contemporary art.
Japanese subculture (Japanese pop culture) is a unique, ambiguous field that has evolved over many years, influenced by manga culture’ s departure from realism. Ukiyo-e, one of the forms of popular culture that had a considerable influence on painters worldwide, including Vincent van Gogh, has become an indispensable part of global art history.
Ukiyo-e emerged during the Edo period, a time marked by frequent large fires, fostering a belief that life should be enjoyed fully despite hardships.These prints captured the joy of the present moment and the evolving trends of Edo as it moved through cycles of recovery and change. At the time, Ukiyo-e served as a form of self-expression for the common people, supporting Japanese realism and identity. It developed uniquely, resonating deeply with people's hearts.
During that time,Ukiyo-e was an accessible and familiar art form for the common people, deeply ingrained in daily life. It was so widely available that ukiyo-e prints were even used as packing material for fragile items exported from Japan. Various genres of Ukiyo-e emerged, including portraits of Kabuki actors and beautiful women(Bijin-ga), satirical works reflecting social issues, and erotic art known as Shunga.
These genres laid the foundation for what would later become a significant influence on modern Japanese subculture.
Western "high art," which could only be enjoyed by aristocrats and the wealthy, served a different purpose entirely from Japanese "pop art," which existed to support and resonate with the "common people".
Japan's "high culture" during the Edo period encompassed refined traditional arts such as calligraphy (Shodo), tea ceremony (Sado), flower arrangement (Kado), Kabuki, and Noh theater. These art forms were maintained primarily by the elite, serving as symbols of cultural identity and status. Today, while these traditions are still highly valued as part of Japan’ s heritage, they are somewhat distant from everyday life for many Japanese people. Instead, they often serve as national symbols and are regarded more as cultural heritage than as daily living for most.
For instance, during my school days, subculture was deeply rooted in our daily lives. Some classmates were genuinely infatuated with 'moe' characters (cute anime girl characters), while others were influenced by 'delinquent boy' manga, which shaped their rebellious behavior. Additionally, it was common in class to pass around Weekly Shonen Jump (a popular manga magazine), with classmates reading it one after another. These experiences highlight the profound impact Japanese subculture has had on our daily lives and values. Growing up with 'pop art' as a daily presence in my life, theV idea of formally studying art felt strange to me, so I chose to study architecture in high school and university. However, as I grew older, I began encountering the notion that 'art is something special,' which led me on a journey to explore what the 'superiority of art' truly means.
In Western history, "high art" was often a powerful tool for displaying authority and grandeur, especially for royalty and the wealthy in the era before the invention of the camera. This art emphasized realism and meticulous craftsmanship, with artists using refined techniques to capture lifelike details, rather than focusing on personal expression.
However, as the 19th century progressed, the invention of the camera fundamentally changed the purpose and nature of visual art. Realism, once a primary goal, became less crucial since photography could capture scenes and subjects with unparalleled accuracy. This shift led many painters to question the purpose of painting in a world with cameras, sparking a series of "artistic rebellion movements" aimed at redefining art itself. These movements laid the foundations of contemporary art.
Due to the limitations of early cameras, which required subjects to remain still for at least 30 minutes, the early Impressionists sought to capture scenes that a camera couldn’ t fully record, such as dynamic streetscapes and flowing water. Artists (like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir )focused on these fleeting moments, using painting techniques to convey a sense of movement and the spontaneity of changing light and scenes that photography couldn't yet capture. This era, which pursued more instantaneous characteristics, emerged as a counter-approach to the properties of the camera.
The superiority of 'high art' in today's era, where photographs can capture moments instantaneously, lies in its context (its background and underlying motives).
Consequently, explanation has become essential to fully interpret contemporary art, often leading to a sense of complexity or difficulty in understanding.
The 'high art' created for Western elites and the 'art for the common people' in Japan stem from differences in cultural ideologies. To me, attempting to evaluate 'the culture of art' by a single standard doesn’ t seem artistic at all.
In contemporary art, professionals like critics often play a significant role in interpreting and evaluating works. However, in Japanese pop art, the evaluation of works is often left to the general public, fostering a culture in which fans actively share opinions and analyses with one another. This community difference highlights a key distinction between Western art and Japanese pop art. Within these communities, 'Otaku' (often translated as dedicated enthusiasts or geeks) engage deeply with specific works or genres, analyzing fine details and discussing their observations. Although they differ from traditional critics, Otaku show similar dedication and insight, serving as passionate, almost pure-hearted critics of the art they love. This Otaku culture enriches collective understanding, strengthens bonds among fans, and ultimately contributes to the perceived value of the art itself.
Some Japanese people feel discomfort with the idea of "art is something special," as they hold a belief that "art is for everyone." I believe this perspective reflects the true "modern form (or standard) of art ".
Today, anime and manga have grown into a global cultural force, captivating audiences worldwide. These media deeply reflect Japan’ s historical background, social values, and daily life. Through humor, satire, and stylized portrayals of free-spirited sexuality, anime and manga convey a diverse range of expressions. This dynamic form of media embodies Japan’ s "counterculture", richly reflecting the nation's identity, values, and unique artistic narrative.
Just as street and hip-hop culture emerged in the United States as a means of self-expression for social minorities, Japan has preserved its own cultural diversity and historical elements through creative expressions like art and manga. Japan's realism truly lives on in its subcultures, which have long supported cultural and historical elements that might otherwise have been lost or marginalized by other countries."
Throughout my journey, I encountered BMX and was touched to American counterculture through street culture. This experience allowed me to identify both the affinities and distinctions among japanese subculture, street culture, and contemporary art, each embodying a sense of "counter" (resistance or opposition). This social role and significance of contemporary art makes to shape new eras and values.
The pure artist always looks to external possibilities, evolving without being confined by the past. While studying art history and techniques is important, not everyone needs to follow the same standards to become an artist. The resistance that exists between the self and others, along with a rebellious spirit toward society, is the underlying element of contemporary art.
I studied architecture because I’ve been a "enthusiast of structure " since childhood, with a curiosity driven motivation to understand the mechanisms and structures behind everything. Among various subjects, I became particularly interested in explores the structure of mental and psychological processes, which was particularly fascinated about Gestalt psychology by Dr. Perls. The word "Gestalt" means "shape or form" in German. In the "Gestalt approach," there is a fundamental premise that life happens not in the past or future but in the present, a concept that aligns with "Nakaima" in Shinto (Japan's indigenous religion). When we dwell on the past or imagine the future, we are not fully present. Similarly, "artistic value," which varies depending on individual environments and psychological conditions, cannot exist in isolation. It only achieves its "form as art" by resonating with the viewer's "Nakaima" (present moment).
The approach of transcending the concept of “shape” in art to create a relative "Gestalt" is my own standard of “shape,” serving as a "counter" for contemporary art.