Toshiya Kimura (b. 1988) is a sculptor specializing in intricately carved wooden animals. Using a chisel, he carves blocks of wood, frequently applying light washes of color over the finished carvings. His work emphasizes the imperfections and natural qualities of the wood, creating variations in texture through the sharpness of the chisel. Kimura’s practice is centered around his deep love and devotion towards animals. He elegantly captures the beauty and complexity of the animal form, from detailed carvings of fox heads to life size depictions of dogs. His work is full of movement and life, transforming the wood into a rabbit mid-leap, a goldfish cutting through water, and a mouse balancing on its hind legs.

Kimura holds a masters degree in sculpture from the University of Tsukaba and is currently a lecturer at Bunsei University of Art. His work has been exhibited at the National Art Center, Tokyo; Takashimaya, Tokyo; the Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts; and numerous other institutions and galleries throughout Asia. 

Selected Artist Timeline

1988 Born in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

2011 B.A. in Fine Arts Education, Faculty of Education, Utsunomiya University

2013 M.A., Sculpture Program, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Current Part time Lecturer, Department of Integrated Arts, Bunsei University of Art 

Selected Solo Exhibitions

2018 The Border Line, Iriya Gallery, Tokyo

2019 Sculpture Selection: Toshiya Kimura, Nihombashi Takashimaya, Tokyo

2019 Toshiya Kimura Exhibition, Garden Terrace Akasaka, Kioicho, Tokyo

2022 Toshiya KIMURA Solo Exhibition "ooz", Gallery Fufu, Ibaraki

2022 Toshiya Kimura: Egoless Existence, Nihombashi Takashimaya, Tokyo

2024 Toshiya Kimura: Prayer and Illusion, Yokohama Takashimaya, Kanagawa

2026 Toshiya Kimura: The Soap Bubble That Left Me Behind and Drifted Far Away, Nihombashi Takashimaya, Tokyo