Ayane Mikagi

 CV / Biography

1988　Born in Kanagawa, Japan

2015　B.F.A. in Japanese Painting, Tama Art University

2017　M.F.A. in Japanese Painting, Graduate School of Tama Art University

2017–2021　Assistant Professor, Japanese Painting Department, Tama Art University

 

Artist Statement

Exploring the themes of "decorativeness" and "ambiguity," I have consistently focused on flora as my primary motif. For me, painting is not so much a pursuit of a glorious goal, but rather an "obsession"—an inescapable continuation of my journey and a vital means of anchoring my own existence.

 

The fountainhead of my creation lies in the unique colors and landscapes encountered during my travels both within Japan and abroad. By layering memories of these journeys and historical contexts onto the "flower"—a motif that is simultaneously familiar and sacred—ambiguous, nameless "flower-like forms" emerge on the canvas. These expressions, which intentionally avoid defined shapes, serve as a "margin" (yohaku). The moment they leave my hands, they dissolve into the memories and emotions of the viewer, resonating as a new, personal narrative.

 

Solo Exhibitions (Selected)

2024　"SEASONAL ART #Phase 19/2024," Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki, Kanagawa

2023　"Nocturne," Art Fair Tokyo 2023 / Tokyo International Forum, Tokyo

2022　"afterglow," ART&CAFE＋BAR AIU., Tokyo

2020　"Permanent Key," Court Gallery Kunitachi, Tokyo

2019　"anone.," KURUM’ART contemporary / space23, Tokyo

2019　"栖 -sumika-," Fujiya Gallery, Tokyo

2019　"Jamais vu," Seibu Shibuya, Tokyo

2017　"Emergence," Gallery Tomo, Tokyo

2017　"Hanone," KURUM’ART contemporary / space23, Tokyo

2017　"The Sound of Seeping," Art Space Rashinban, Tokyo

2015　"faraway," Art Space 88, Tokyo

2015　"Graduation Exhibition," Fujiya Gallery, Tokyo

 

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

2025　"Takashimaya Art re-Axis 2025," Takashimaya (Nihonbashi, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Nagoya, Shinjuku)

2024　"The Quadriennale," The Ueno Royal Museum, Tokyo

2024　"INFINI," A Lighthouse called Kanata, Tokyo

2023　"Visions of the Sky," Kanata @ DIDIER AARON, New York

2022　"Cray-pas Paintings by Contemporary Artists," Sakura Art Museum, Osaka / Hayashida Gallery, Tokyo

2021　"Japan Painting Renaissance," A Lighthouse called Kanata, Tokyo

2021　"Genealogy of Modern Japanese Painting - Tama Art University DNA," Art-Theque Gallery, Tokyo

2019　"The Course of Painting 2019," Sompo Museum of Art, Tokyo

2018　"The 6th Sakura Exhibition," Sato Sakura Museum, Tokyo

2016　"Seed: Yamatane Museum of Art Nihonga Award 2016," Yamatane Museum of Art, Tokyo

2016　"The 34th Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition," The Ueno Royal Museum, Tokyo

 

Art Fairs

Art Basel Hong Kong (2026) / ZONA MACO, Mexico (2025, 2026) / The Armory Show, USA (2024, 2025) / Taipei Dangdai, Taiwan (2024, 2025) / Tokyo Gendai (2023, 2024, 2025) / The Treasure House Fair, UK (2023, 2024) / ART SG, Singapore (2023, 2024, 2026) / Art Fair Tokyo (2021, 2022, 2023) / TEFAF Maastricht, Netherlands (2018–2025) / Masterpiece London, UK (2019, 2023) / Seattle Art Fair (2018, 2022) / Art Miami (2016, 2017, 2019) / West Bund Art and Design, China (2023, 2025) / FRIEZE SEOUL, Korea (2025) / FAB Paris, France (2025) / Art Collaboration Kyoto (2025)

 

Awards & Honors

2016　Audience Award & Selected, Seed: Yamatane Museum of Art Nihonga Award

2016　Award of Excellence, FACE 2016 Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Art Award

2012　Sato Taisei Award, The 12th Sato Taisei Memorial Art Exhibition

2012　Award of Excellence, The 23rd Garyuzakura Nihonga Grand Prix

 

Public Collections

Takayama City, Gifu

Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto

Sato Sakura Museum, Tokyo

Niimi Museum of Art, Okayama

 

Grants & Scholarships

2019　Yoshino Gypsum Art Foundation, Exhibition Grant for Young Nihonga Artists

2015　Japan Cultural Arts Foundation, 20th Scholarship Recipient

2015　Kamiyama Foundation, 2nd Arts Support Program Scholar

2015　Sato International Cultural Promotion Foundation, 25th Scholarship Recipient

2013　JASSO, Student Outstanding Achievement Award (Award of Excellence)

 

Collaborations & Commissions

2025　Lib (Dress Brand): Created collaboration dresses using own artwork for the 2025SS Collection; served as the image model for the collection.

2022　Quatro Gats: Released "Chiisaifu" collaboration wallets.

2021　MOURI Premium: Package design for "Gateau Chocolat to Share" (Standard & Valentine’s editions).