Choosing 260123 (Diptych), 2026

Kotaro Machiyama   New & remarkable Artists

Kotaro Machiyama's work explores abstraction as a way of reconnecting with the simple act of seeing. He removes storytelling, depth, and clear references so that color and form can stand on their own, without directing the viewer toward a specific meaning.

He is inspired by the way a child first experiences the world, before everything has a name. At that stage, color and shape are felt freely and openly. In his painting practice, he tries to return to that space of direct and intuitive perception.

In the studio, he intentionally leaves out recognizable figures and narrative elements. This allows him to focus more closely on how colors and forms relate to one another. Through this process, the painting becomes a living interaction of shapes, tones, and energy.

His paintings are not meant to represent something specific. Instead, they offer space. They invite the viewer to slow down, to look without expectation, and to connect with their own sensations, emotions, and memories. For him, painting is a place where seeing becomes immediate, personal, and alive.

- CV

Education

2011 Setsu・Mode Seminar graduation.
2004 Tokyo Zokei University of Art and design subject dye major graduation

Selected Solo Exhibitions

2025｜"Yamato Spirits" – Daikanyama Tsutaya Books, Tokyo, Japan
2024｜"Clipping" – arflex Nagoya & Osaka, Japan
2023｜"Clipping" – arflex Tokyo, Japan
2020｜"Wakaranai Mono ga Suki" – arflex Tamagawa & Osaka, Japan

Selected Group Exhibitions / Art Fairs

2025｜ART 365 – Daimaru Tokyo & Matsuzakaya Nagoya, Japan
2025｜"Subconscious Paradise" – Xiamen, China
2024｜International Gallery Week – Ningbo, China
2023｜ART AMOY – Xiamen, China

Awards / Recognition

2017｜Rise Art Prize – Highly Commended (UK)
2017｜J-WAVE TIME TABLE – Grand Prize (Japan)

Selected Clients / Collaborations

Louis Vuitton
arflex Japan
BBC (UK)
Stanford University (USA)