ABOUT | KAWAKAMI Akihito

I am pursuing artistic expression using patterns that I have devised based on my congenital vascular malformation. These patterns symbolize my existence and serve as tools to create my works.

The patterns continue to evolve, incorporating elements from Jomon culture, traditional Japanese patterns, cells, viruses, and more, not limited to vascular malformations. I believe that through this endeavor, I can promote the diversity of new values and perspectives among people.

My latest work series, "Energy Virus," is inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this series, the artworks themselves function as a medium (Virus) that transmits energy, intending to encourage the sharing (infection) of energy among viewers. The "Energy Virus" series is depicted through the "Energy Pattern" I devised. The Energy Pattern combines the imagery of spikes that symbolize the impressions and punk of cells and viruses, representing the proliferating energy. Cells and viruses symbolize proliferation, while punk represents explosive energy. This pattern covers the entire canvas, evoking a sense of spatial expansion and proliferation.

The ultimate goal of this work is to increase global awareness and cause an "Energy Virus Pandemic."

私は、自身の先天性血管奇形をもとに考案した文様を用いた芸術表現を追求しています。これらの文様は私の存在を象徴し、作品を生み出すためのツールとなっています。

文様は血管奇形以外にも、縄文文化や伝統的な日本の文様、細胞、ウイルスなどの要素を取り入れながら、進化し続けています。そして、この活動が人々に新たな価値観や視点の多様性を広めることを信じています。

最新の作品「Energy Virus」シリーズはCOVID-19パンデミックに着想を得ています。このシリーズでは、作品自体がエネルギーを伝染させる媒体（Virus）として機能し、鑑賞者にエネルギーの共有（感染）を促すことを意図しています。「Energy Virus」シリーズは、私が考案した「Energy Pattern」によって描かれています。「Energy Pattern」は細胞やウイルスのイメージと、パンクの象徴であるスタッズ（鋲）のイメージを組み合わせて、増殖するエネルギーを表現しています。（細胞とウイルスは増殖、パンクは爆発的なエネルギーの象徴。）この文様がキャンバス全体を覆い、空間の広がりと増殖を連想させる効果を与えます。

この作品の最終目標は、世界的な認知度を高め、「Energy Virus Pandemic」を引き起こすことです。

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

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