Minako Yamano

Have sold more than hundred pieces to private collectors including corporations such as Welcia Japan and Netones Systems Inc. (JPX:TYO).

Trained in the Japanese traditional painting known as “Nihonga”, which uses Sumi ink, brushwork and natural mineral pigments, the goal of my painting endeavor is twofold: to regain the dynamics, boldness, and humor of this style as seen in the works of Japanese grand masters such as Hokusai Katsushika or Jakuchu Ito; and to pioneer a new field by integrating modern motifs and techniques such as computer circuit boards, advertisement photos, and silkscreen printing.



Currently I have two styles: LIFE series and MYTH series.



LIFE series is a microcosmic/macrocosmic abstract series in which motifs are taken from various artificial and natural objects such as computer circuit boards, microscopic photos, reptile skins, or purely imaginary images.



The first work in this series, “LIFE” (awarded Thesis Excellence Award, Musashino Art University), was done as a Byobu, the Japanese folding screen style, which imparts to it the presence of a semi-three-dimensional object rather than a flat painting. Silver leaf pasted on rice paper is oxidized to achieve an iridescent color. This work carries the...

Pratt Institute
Brooklyn, New York
Master of Fine Arts degree completed February 1998
Major: Painting
Received full scholarship from Japanese Cultural Ministry for artists studying abroad, 1993-96

Musashino Art University
Tokyo, Japan
Bachelor of Arts degree completed May 1993
Major: Japanese Painting
Received Art Teaching Certificate
Art Festival Committee, 1990

Musashino Art School
Tokyo, Japan
Assistantship, Japanese Painting Department, 1992-93

Upcoming Shows

- "Grain of Rice (Un Seul Grain de Riz)" show, Galerie Métanoïa, Paris, December 2015

-" LIBRARY" show (art book show), Kyoto, March 2016

- "LIBRARY" show (art book show), Tokyo, August 2016

- "Move show in Berlin", Krunst Gallery, Berlin, April 2016

- One man show, Shanghai, Fugetsusha Gallery, November 2016


Shows in the Past

Liquitex Biennale, New Artist Award

Thesis Excellence Award, Musashino Art University, Tokyo

Liquitex Biennale

Japanese Cultural Ministry three year scholarship for art study abroad

Soho Biennale, New York (piece sold)

Master's Thesis Exhibition, Pratt Institute

The Art of Bookmaking exhibition, PRINT STUDIO SOUTH

It's About Excellence craft show, second price

It's About Excellence craft show, first price

Projekt 30 (www.projekt30.com) online exhibition

LIBRARY show, Tokyo, 2014

Art Expo Malaysia, Malaysia, September 2014

Tokyo Designers Week Handmade Market, October 2014

Liquitex Art Prize, Tokyo, November 2014

Tiny Bits show, Orange County Creative gallery (USA), Feb. 2015

”Blue” show (www.OrangeCountyCreativesGallery.com), March, 2015

LIBRARY show, March 2015, Kyoto and Tokyo

Berlin Move show, April to May 2015 (piece...