"Once upon a time" Print

Artist Statement Kotaro Machiyama's work explores abstraction as a way of reconnecting with the simple act of seeing. He removes storytelling, depth, and clear references so that color and form can stand on their own, without directing the viewer toward a specific meaning. He is inspired by the way a child first experiences the world, before everything has a name. At that stage, color and shape are felt freely and openly. In his painting practice, he tries to return to that space of direct and intuitive perception. In the studio, he intentionally leaves out recognizable figures and narrative elements. This allows him to focus more closely on how colors and forms relate to one another. Through this process, the painting becomes a living interaction of shapes, tones, and energy. His paintings are not meant to represent something specific. Instead, they offer space. They invite the viewer to slow down, to look without expectation, and to connect with their own sensations, emotions, and memories. For him, painting is a place where seeing becomes immediate, personal, and alive. Awards / Recognition 2017 ｜Rise Art Prize – Highly Commended (UK) 2017 ｜J-WAVE TIME TABLE – Grand Prize (Japan) Selected Clients / Collaborations Louis Vuitton arflex Japan BBC (UK) Stanford University (USA)