Artist In Residence
Our Partner: Geisai
Revived by Takashi Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki Gallery, GEISAI scouts and curates emerging artistic talent through its art competition. The competition was created to allow young artists from a wide range of backgrounds show their work to new audiences. GEISAI has launched the careers of many artists who have gone on to gain significant success and acclaim from galleries and institutions internationally. Kaikai Kiki Gallery, located in Tokyo, has been discovering, nurturing, and managing artists for the past 20 years.
MOUSO-YATAI Producer
While working in a Tokyo advertising agency, MOUSO-YATAI Producer began illustrating characters and buildings inspired by Tekkon Kinkreet movies as a creative outlet from corporate life. It was during this time that they became inspired by the melancholy of the food stalls that appeared and disappeared without a trace, and the stories that emerged from these places. This later became the inspiration for their “delusional food stall” series, in which MOUSO-YATAI Producer depicted the kind of carts they wished existed by incorporating animation techniques.
MOUSO-YATAI Producer will be in residence during the month of July 2023 and will be showcasing their work at Ace Kyoto from August 2023 – October 2023.
MOMO
Contemporary artist Momo finds inspiration in musical sounds and lyrics. When creating in their signature text-based art style, Momo uses music to guide the words and colors chosen for each piece. Momo credits family ties and human love as major influences in their work.
Momo will be in residence during the month of October 2023 and will be showcasing their work at Ace Kyoto from November 2023 – January 2024.
Mitsuko Watanabe
Mitsuko Watanabe found their signature artistic style through playing with stones as a young child. This interest later developed into installations using piled stones that incorporate poems to reflect the personality of each work.
Watanabe will be in residence during the month of January 2024 and will be showcasing their work at Ace Kyoto from February 2024 – April 2024.
Gento
Osaka native Gento creates drawings using colored pencils as their medium. Originally inspired by the style of Keith Haring, Gento evolved their artistic technique over years to find their own perspective. Gento hopes that their work will inspire people to look beyond their own prejudices and preconceptions.
Gento will be in residence during the month of April 2024 and will be showcasing their work at Ace Kyoto from May 2024 – July 2024.