Wakayama Mao

My work expresses how my existence and identity as a Japanese woman is shaped by those around me. I experienced the feeling of otherness for the first time when I lived in Beijing from the age of 19 to 27 as a young student, before the Beijing Olympics began and the city changed dramatically. The contrast between the major changes caused by China's economic development and the socialist view of equality that was once believed, also contributed to my thinking about my identity. Prior to that, I had never been aware of the culture and environment that defined me. 

In my paintings I use imagery from advertisement, graphics, geometry, and  symbolism coupled with expressionistic gestures to explore myself as molded by other people. I draw while thinking about whether my personality and my existence really exist in myself or through “the other” and how it came to be.

Born in Japan

2012 Graduated CAFA(China Academy Fine Art) University, Beijing,BFA

2015 Graduated CAFA(China Academy Fine Art) University, Beijing,MFA

2023 Live in Nagano,Karuizawa

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITION 

2013  ISE New York Art Search Exhibition ,New York ,I SE Gallery

2015  “NON LANGUAGE”Exhibition ,Beijing ,IN 2 SPACE Gallery

2015   “ZHUAN” Exhibition,Beijing, MIA Art Gallery

2016  TOKYO ART FAIR, Tokyo, LINK Gallery

2021  Shell Art Award, Tokyo,   The National Art Center Tokyo

2022  ACT Art Award, Tokyo, The Art complex Center of Tokyo

2022  MITSUKOSHI Art Weeks, Tokyo, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi

2022  Chelsea International Fine Art Competition, New York, Agora Gallery

2022  MITSUKOSHI Art Weeks, Tokyo, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi

2023  SPIRAL INDEPENDENT CREATORS FESTIVAL, Tokyo

PRIZE 

2013 ISE New York Art Search prize

2021 Chosen Shell Art Award

2022 ACT Art Award Excellence Award

2022 Chosen Chelsea International Fine Art Competition, New York