Mariko Mizuto

Japanese-style painter (Nihonga artist).
Her work explores the theme of Yūgen — the subtle and profound beauty that lies at the heart of traditional Japanese arts such as Noh and tea ceremony — expressed through depictions of the human figure.

Born and raised in Hiroshima to Japanese parents, and being a second-generation atomic bomb survivor, she continues to live and work in Hiroshima. Her paintings reflect a search for identity and meaning rooted in this background, while seeking to carry forward the timeless aesthetic sensibility of Japan that has evolved through centuries of cultural tradition.

In portraying figures, she draws inspiration from classical Buddhist sculpture and traditional East Asian philosophy, which avoid overt emotional expression. The “expressionless face” in her work conveys emotion inwardly, inviting the viewer to project their own feelings and interpretations.

Her figures are always depicted wearing traditional kimono with authentic textile patterns. She regards the kimono as the most beautiful and natural form of expression for the Japanese spirit — an attire that evolved in harmony with the nation’s climate and way of life.

Technically, she emphasizes the beauty of line and uses traditional pigment ...

Hiroshima YMCA, Graduated from the Master's program at Hiroshima City University, Faculty of Arts

Born in Hiroshima, Japan

Exhibitions & Awards

2000 – Participated in “Nihonga Four Artists Exhibition”

2001 – Exhibited at the 1st Geibi-kai Exhibition (participated annually thereafter)

2009 – Small Works Exhibition, Gallery Kaze (Matsuyama) – Semi-Prize Winner

2010 – Solo Exhibition “Impressions of Japan”, Gallery Omachi (Hiroshima)

2012 – 21st All Japan Art Salon Painting Grand Prize Exhibition, Free Expression Division – Excellence Award
　– 6th Maeda Seison Memorial Grand Prize Exhibition – Seison Memorial Special Award

2013 – Selected for Kawajiri Brush Art Festival 2013

2015 – Solo Exhibition, Hiroshin Gallery (Hiroshima)

2016 – Flag of the West 2016, Hiroshima City University Nihonga Exhibition (also exhibited in 2018, 2022)
　– Solo Exhibition, ANCHORET (Hiroshima)

2018 – Solo Exhibition, Fukuya Hacchobori Main Gallery (Hiroshima)

2019 – “UNORTHODOX III”, Art Gallery Gekkeiju (Sakado City)

2020 – Solo Exhibition, Gallery SOL (Ginza, Tokyo)

2022 – Solo Exhibition “Depicting Kimono”, NAYA GALLERY (Hiroshima)
　– “Interweaving Exhibition”, Soei Gallery (Ginza, Tokyo) (also exhibited in 2023, 2024)

2025 – Solo Exhibition “JAPONISM”, gallery G (Hiroshima)

Collections
Held in: Nakatsugawa City, Hiroshima Musashi,...