Kaori Someya b. 1977

Kaori Someya (b. 1977) nurtures the deep and rich hues of mineral pigments with the nobility of gold; the rusticity of the powdered earth-based mediums made from precious ore, animal shells, and sumi charcoal set off the subtle details of her gilded figures. The light dances as it strikes the gold, textured washi paper, and voluptuous paints, giving animated life to the woman and kimono. Someya’s paintings reveal and inextricable bond between nature and person, deploying motifs like butterflies to layer additional meanings over the feminine figures. Her works exude a soft light that is the product of her careful harmony of materials, allowing all sorts of mediums made from the earth and animals to compliment and accentuate one another. 

Selected Biography: 

1977     Born in Shimane Prefecture, Japan

1999     Graduated from Tokyo University of Arts, Japanese Painting Department

2002     Graduated Master’s program in Japanese painting, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties Lab

               Selected for Inten Exhibition

2013     Won the Minister of Foreign Affairs Award at the Spring Inten Exhibition

2018     Won the Adachi Museum of Art Award at the revived Inten Exhibition Scholarship recipient of the Japan Art Academy