I continue to paint water as a motif. This is because I am fascinated by the mystery and power of life-giving water. In my paintings, both the rich curves and the legal straight lines created by nature are equally encompassed in one organic world. Flowers, goldfish, and seaweed are also depicted as happy symbols around water, and I want to infuse my work with the aesthetic and fundamental sense of color that they reflect in the water. Kaoru Kan HP https://www.kaorukan.com/

I always have the same theme at the bottom of my heart. It is to express what people cannot see and cannot express, such as space, air, time, and distance. I always try to depict the colorless transparency that exists between the eye and the object, rather than using objects as a medium for unrealistic expression.

There are many thrilling experiences in the process of creation, such as a motif or a stain that is about to be erased creating an unexpected effect, or a phrase that jumps into your eyes or ears and leads you to the completion of the work. I value such “waste” and “noise”. The countless cracks and scratches that I intentionally create are one such example, and recently I have often attached foreign objects and ready-made items to my works. My theme for the future is to weave “trivial myths” through my works and exhibition spaces.

The relationship between a painter and a model is similar to that between a cook and an ingredient. No matter how good a cook you are, if the ingredients are not delicious, you have nothing to show for it. Many women have helped me to become the person I am today. That’s why I want to be able to depict not only the superficial beauty but also the inner strength and kindness of women. I hope that the women depicted in my works will remain with me for a long time to come, and I believe that this will be my way of repaying the women who supported me. (From WORKSOFKENTANAKAJIMA)

I use metal forging and engraving techniques. I cut out animals and ordinary scenes from everyday life and make them into works of art. I hope you can feel the fascination of metal materials.

I mainly create works using cats and people as motifs. I hope I could touch someone’s heartstrings by sublimating what I am attracted to and what I find fragile and beautiful into my works through my own filter.   Masaaki Hikita HP http://www.masaakihikida.com/