TUJ Art Kairi Kobayashi, a young artist from Tokyo, combines fairy tale charm with 90s grunge style in her work, which inspired by nature and memories of her parents. She handcrafts jewelry and paints on nails. She wants her audience to feel the sense of lightness and darkness of the world.
Keychains (Gal in the Woods), 2024
Beads and strings
Necklaces (Gal in the Woods), 2024
Beads and strings
Bracelets (Gal in the Woods), 2024
Beads and strings
Untitled (live in the woods), 2023
Clothes and strings
The whole family, 2023
Oil on canvas
46 x 60 cm
Resting, 2023
Oil on canvas
40 x 50 cm
Artist Statement
My goal as an artist is to be able to express myself as it has been the main reason to create artworks for years. However, as going through the process, I found out more different aspects of myself, and realized that the experienced I had in childhood, the environment and the culture I grow up in have influenced me a lot without knowing. The works I make is different every time but have some similarities at the same time, which is Japanese cultural vibe. Being artist is not only about making works, but also about understanding about myself. I want the audience to know who I am through the works.
Dancing has been a central part of my life since childhood, but as I en- tered adulthood, I began to reassess my career aspirations. Despite my dedication to dance over the years, I chose not to pursue it professional- ly. This decision stemmed from various factors, including the challenges of the dance industry, a desire for new experiences, and a growing pas- sion for creative expression. While dance brought me joy and recogni- tion, I saw its physical demands and uncertain future. This prompted me to explore alternative paths. Though, the transition from dance to art had its challenges, requiring me to let go of a significant aspect of my identi- ty. However, I viewed it as an opportunity for personal growth and artis- tic exploration. Though I may no longer pursue dance professionally, I eagerly embrace art as a means of expanding my creative potential and discovering new forms of self-expression.
My artistic journey has involved experimenting with a diverse set of fields ranging from oil painting to digital design. However, my changing emotions, curiosity, and boredom have made it difficult to commit to a single passion. Despite this, I’ve found joy and inspiration in working with fabrics, drawn to their tactile nature and creative possibilities. Fash- ion has always been a passion of mine, and my awareness of its environ- mental impact, particularly in fast fashion, has led me to incorporate old clothes into my artwork. This approach allows me to include my pieces with depth and it giving me purpose in my work as it contributes posi- tively to the world through sustainable practices.
The Heisei era and Kawaii culture have deeply influenced my artwork, filling it with a distinct Japanese aesthetic that evokes feelings of nos- talgia and familiarity. Characterized by the Heisei Gal style, my creations resonate with audiences in Japan, evoking memories of the era’s fashion trends and culture. The use of light-toned colors and handcrafted ac- cessories further reinforces this connection to the past. While my work may evoke nostalgia for those familiar with the Heisei era, it also serves as a cultural bridge for others to appreciate and understand Japanese aesthetics. As fashion trends evolve, I believe that maintaining this dis- tinctive style in my artwork will ensure its enduring relevance and ap- peal. Not only does it give it a chance for this generation to embrace our historic culture but it enables others to learn and find a new love for my craft. Over the next 30 years, I envision my work continuing to captivate audiences worldwide, contributing greater cultural understanding and appreciation. Through the preservation and perpetuation of the essence of the Heisei era and Kawaii culture, I aspire to leave a lasting impact on the artistic scene and promote cross-cultural exchange and apprecia- tion.
Right now, I am still strrugling with a lot of things and so it feels lile overwhealmed. However, the strrugle is part of my journey and I believe that experiencing a lot of different methods and materials is important as well. To be able to achieve the goal, which is to express myself as a Jap- anese artist who show the Japanese unique culture to other people, I am learning more aspects and building up my own style in my creations.