ABOUT | KAWAKAMI Akihito

I pursue artistic expression using a unique pattern inspired by my congenital vascular malformation. This pattern symbolizes both my existence and the complex structure of society, serving as a tool for creating my works. The pattern continues to evolve by incorporating elements of my personal experiences, as well as influences from Jomon culture, cellular structures, and viruses, constantly undergoing transformation.

My latest series, Energy Virus, focuses on the “fluidity of energy” and its transformations in modern society. This series, which began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is based on the concept of a “virus that transmits energy.” It uses the spread and proliferation of the virus as a metaphor for energy, expressing the social and psychological impacts we face. Until 2023, the series explored the themes of “diffusion” and “proliferation,” depicting the self-replicating nature of energy. However, from 2024, the focus shifted to “mutation,” marking a new phase. The changes and confusion we experience are visualized using silkscreen and spray-paint techniques, with symbolic motifs such as smiles and flowers. These motifs represent the beauty and fragility of things in flux, as well as the positive energy that comes with change.

The goal of my work is to share energy with the viewers, offering them moments to reconnect with the energy that lies dormant within. I continue to depict the infinite possibilities of transformation, where the transmission of energy can change individual awareness and ultimately connect to the world as a whole.

私は、自身の先天性血管奇形をもとに考案した独自のパターンを用いた芸術表現を追求しています。このパターンは、私の存在と社会の複雑な構造を象徴し、作品を生み出すためのツールとなっています。パターンは、私個人の経験に加え、縄文文化、細胞構造、ウイルスなどの要素を取り入れながら進化し、絶えず変化し続けています。

私の最新のシリーズ作品「Energy Virus」は、現代社会における「エネルギーの流動性」とその変容に焦点を当てています。

COVID-19パンデミックをきっかけに始まったこのシリーズは、「エネルギーを伝播するウイルス」というコンセプトのもと、ウイルスの拡散や増殖をエネルギーのメタファーとして捉え、私たちが直面する社会的・心理的な影響を表現しています。

2023年までは、「拡散」と「増殖」をテーマに、エネルギーが自己増殖する様子を描いていましたが、2024年からは「変異」をテーマに新たな展開を迎えました。私たちが体験する変化や混乱を、シルクスクリーンやスプレーペイントの技法を用い、笑顔や花といった象徴的なモチーフを通じて視覚化しています。これらのモチーフは、時間と共に移ろうものの美しさと儚さ、変化の持つポジティブなエネルギーを象徴しています。

私の作品が目指すのは、鑑賞者とエネルギーを共有し、彼らが自身の内に眠るエネルギーを再認識する瞬間を提供することです。エネルギーの伝播が個々の意識を変え、最終的に世界全体へと繋がる、そうした無限の可能性を描き続けています。

KAWAKAMI Akihito / 川上哲史 is a contemporary artist currently based in Japan.

1980

Born in Fukushima, Japan

2003

Graduated from department of visual design, Bunsei University of Art (Tochigi, Japan)

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2024

"Smile Flower Energy Virus" TomuraLee (Tokyo, Japan)

2023

"Energy Virus" Gallery A8T (Sendai,MIyagi,Japan)

2018

"Repetition & Desensitize" Gallery Tomura (Tokyo, Japan)

2015

"Strayed Souls" Gallery Tomura (Tokyo, Japan)

2012

2nd Exhibition Gallery Tomura (Tokyo, Japan)

2010

"Melancholic Heaven" Gallery Tomura (Tokyo, Japan)

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2012

"Mr.I・Mr.W Collection" Akutsu Gallery (Gunma, Japan)

2011

"BUA 6.22・graduates exhibition" Bunsei University of Art Gallery (Tochigi, Japan)

2009

"Selected Art Competition from Late 2008" Bartok Gallery (Ginza, Tokyo)

2008

"Game" Bartok Gallery (Ginza, Tokyo)

"Men’s Bartok" Bartok Gallery (Ginza, Tokyo)

ART FAIR

2023

ART FAIR ASIA FUKUOKA TomuraLee (Fukuoka, Japan)

2018