Aomi Kikuchi — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Oct 7

Oct 7 Aomi Kikuchi

Biography

Aomi Kikuchi is a multidisciplinary artist. She creates 2D/3D art including sculptures, garments and objects.
She has a BFA from Kyoto University of Art and Design and an MFA from the Pratt Institute. She has participated in exhibitions internationally including Art Laguna 2021 and Woman’s Essence 2023. She has participated in various publications such as being selected for the publication " 50 Artists to Watch in 2023" and "Collector's Art Prize 2023".
The source of inspiration is the Bhudda’s philosophy and Japanese aesthetics. By understanding and accepting the impermanence and insubstantial nature of this world, we can control our attachments and cravings, and alleviate our suffering. Wabi-sabi is appreciation of imperfection, and mono-no-aware is having compassion towards all living beings.
Her work is characterized by delicacy and ephemerality. Eternity exists in our conception, but all matter cannot remain in its present form forever. By creating works that emphasize fragility and vulnerability, she intends to make people aware of the pointlessness of clinging to materialistic desires. Greed is the cause of social, political and personal suffering. She aims to express compassion through her works of art. Thinking of others and sharing with others frees us from greed.
She acquired various craft techniques including Dress making,Yuzen dyeing, Japanese embroidery, weaving, and ceramics. Commanding her skills and knowledge as her vehicle of creation, she discovers the possibilities of textiles and everyday items as art materials and incorporates them into innovative works.

Artist Statement

"By understanding and accepting the impermanence and insubstantiality of this world, we can control our cravings so that we can alleviate our suffering”. I am inspired by Buddha's philosophy and the Japanese aesthetics of wabi-sabi (imperfection) and mono no aware (compassionate heart).
Through my artwork,I convey that compassion is a meaningful solution to ease craving. I focus on personal desires and suffering, and on people and things that are forced to suffer in order to satisfy the greed of others.Fear and disgust are also causes of suffering. I work on finding new perspectives and turning negative emotions into positive ones to help people let go of negative emotions.
The concept of multidisciplinary art pushed me into the current activities as a multidisciplinary artist who does not specialize tools and materials in one genre.
Observing various materials around me and using them, I try to create innovative 2D/3D work including sculptures, garments and objects based on my concepts. Commanding my accumulated knowledge about various craft techniques including dress making,yuzen kimono dyeing, Japanese embroidery, and weaving cultivated over 40 years, I work being freed from conventional consens. Choice of materials are based on the care about the impact on our environment.

Country Japan

Website aomikikuchi.com

Instagram @aomikikuchi