Kaoruko

KAORUKO’s painting process pays homage to both traditional and contemporary Japanese artistic methodologies by using water-based paint (acrylic), gold leaf, sumi-e (traditional calligraphy techniques), ukiyo-e (traditional Japanese woodblock
prints) and silkscreened kimono patterns on canvas. By juxtaposing all these similar yet separate elements, KAORUKO weaves together narratives of the young and old, the bourgeoning and bygone to deliver poignant paintings that straddle cultural, sexual and geographic beliefs and stereotypes of feminine identity at a crucial time that is rewriting the narrative on what it is to be female both here and abroad.

KAORUKO has exhibited throughout Japan at institutions such as Laforet Museum (Tokyo), Parko Museum (Tokyo), Takashimaya Gallery (Osaka), Tenpozan Museum of Modern Art (Osaka), Loft Gallery (Kumamoto), the Kyoto International Art Festival (Kyoto), and has shown at the Chelsea Art Museum (New York), Jim Kempner Fine Art (New York), Waterfall Gallery (New York), Mike Weiss Gallery (New York), WhiteBox (New York), Ethan Cohen Fine Arts Gallery (New York), and Mana Contemporary (Jersey City, NJ). KAORUKO lives and works in New York.