Kenji Araki

Kenji Araki is a contemporary Japanese visual artist known for his innovative explorations at the intersection of traditional craft and modern abstraction. Born in Kyoto in 1985, Araki grew up surrounded by the refined aesthetics of his city's historic temples and gardens, which profoundly influenced his early understanding of art. He graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts in 2008, where he studied both painting and textile design, weaving age-old techniques into his unique practice.

Since launching his career, Araki has pursued a methodical approach to layering washi paper, mineral pigments, and mixed media, developing a signature style characterized by delicate textures and nuanced compositions. His works often evoke themes of impermanence, memory, and the passage of time, drawing inspiration from Japanese philosophies of wabi-sabi and mono no aware. Araki’s art has been exhibited widely throughout Japan and internationally, including solo and group shows in Tokyo, Seoul, New York, and Paris.

Respected for his dedication to materials and meticulous craftsmanship, Kenji Araki continues to push the boundaries of contemporary Japanese art from his studio in Kamakura.