Today might be the freest epoch, and the best time to create liberated and no-holds-barred expression of ideologies through art.
In a country where distinct and familiar style is being followed by artists, these contemporary artisans are creating a paradigm shift; thus, getting out of the typical Japanese style and nevertheless creating their own identity to influence the diverse world.
Here, we listed some of the most celebrated contemporary artists from Japan. This may not be a perfect list, though, because we know there are many promising artists in Japan that might be popular in the coming days, weeks or months. So, read on, and check out their iconic works.
1. Yayoi Kusama
When you hear Yayoi Kusama, probably, you will think of a myriad of dots, patterned to create a certain image or shape. She popularized the use of black circles and bright colors like red or yellow in her minimalist artworks. Even if she is into mixed art, she still maintains her dotted-style in sculptures, paintings, installations, and even in designer bags. Kusama is also one of the famous artists included in the best art festival in Japan, the Setouchi International Art Festival or Setouchi Triennale. Apart from the circles and curves, she also uses mirrors to create illusion of infinity to her room installations.
Some of her works:
Photo: photography515050.wordpress.com
The Mirrored Room
Photo: Lucy Dawkins/BBC
Infinity Mirror Room
Photo: www.culturalish.com
Yayoi Kusama's art installation and Louis Vuitton bag
Photo: rockthetrend.com
2. Takashi Murakami
Takashi Murakami is one of the sought-after and most innovative minds in the art scene today. He focuses on sculpture, animation, installation, and paintings as his medium. His superflat and cartoon style, and linking the traditional art to the modern visual culture, makes him stand-out. Like Yayoi Kusama, his artworks has already been put into Louis Vuitton bags, into Vans shoes, became an album cover for Kanye West, and he has collaborated with Pharell Williams for an installation.
Some of his works:
The Oval Buddha
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Flower Ball
Photo: www.kumicontemporary.com
And a large sculpture of himself.
Photo: gulfartguide.com
3. Yoshitoshi Kanemaki
Yoshitoshi Kanemaki has proved that he can transform wood into beautiful art by the use of his creative hands. He is one of the emerging Japanese sculptors that has been known for his style in depicting different facial expressions, and unusual carvings about life and death.
Some of his works:
Photo: Bored Panda
Photo: www.thisiscolossal.com
Photo: Bored Panda
4. Tenmyouya Hisashi
Tenmyouya Hisashi calls his art as "Neo Nihonga," meaning Neo Japanese Painting. He has worked as an art director in a record label before shifting to his career as contemporary artist. His art mixes the Japanese traditional art to Western influences like hip-hop.
Some of his works:
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Photo: Pinterest
5. Keiko Matsumoto
Keiko Matsumoto is a contemporary artist who's medium is into ceramics. Making ceramics is hard, and this artist raises the bar with her innovative use of her art to express. She is known for her intricate ceramics that depicts several structures in Japan like the Golden Pavillion, and the octopus-shaped jar.
Some of her works:
Photo: xpatnation.com
Photo: contemporiental.wordpress.com
Photo: Flickr
Photo: contemporiental.wordpress.com
6. Mariko Mori
Mariko Mori is an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, who touches and explores questions about intersection of life, death, reality, and technology. She gained the most attention with her interactive installation, Wave UFO, in 2003.
Some of her works:
Wave UFO
Photo:arttattler.com
Ring: One with Nature
Photo: observer.com
Transcircle 1.1
Photo: streamingmuseum.org
7. Tomoko Takahashi
Tomoko Takahashi is a London-based artist, who found her art in found materials, and installations. She has already exhibited her work in Beaconsfield, London; the Saatchi Gallery; UCLA's Hammer Gallery; The Serpentine Gallery, London and the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on Sea.
Some of her works:
Photo: www.kunsthalle-bern.ch
Photo: Flickr
8. Chiho Aoshima
Chiho Aoshima creates her own fanciful world through her post-modern art. She is known for her dark artworks that still portray positive attitude. The future is literally within her art.
Some of her works:
City Glow
Photo:www.seattleartmuseum.org
Photo: www.kumicontemporary.com
Photo: kn3.net
9. Riusuke Fukahori
Riusuke Fukahori puts realism into next level, as he does paintings in different layers of resin, like 3-dimensional prints. Mostly, he paints goldfish that really seem to swim in water.
Some of his works:
Photo: www.thisiscolossal.com
Photo: Flickr
Photo: www.gosocial.co
10. Naomi Okubo
Naomi Okubo is one of the artists who's obsession is into patterns and strong colors. Her paintings speak of one style, she focuses on the intricate patterns and not on the faces of her subjects, but the message is still on-point.
Some of her works:
Photo: keinmag.com
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Photo: www.artisticmoods.com
Support the contemporary artists and give art a chance to inspire the world.
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