Silent Resonance

Daichiro Shinjo was born in 1992 in Miyako Island, Okinawa, and grew up immersed in a rich tapestry of Zen philosophy and Okinawan spiritual culture under the influence of his grandfather, a respected monk and folklorist. Known for revitalizing traditional Japanese calligraphy with contemporary expressions, Shinjo’s work is a fusion of old-fashioned Shodō and innovative design principles, deeply rooted in his cultural heritage.

After graduating from the Department of Space Design at Shizuoka University of Art and Culture, he now resides and works from his studio in Miyako Island, continuing to explore the boundaries of calligraphy and design. His art has been showcased in prominent exhibitions such as Untitled Art in San Francisco and Curators Cube in Tokyo, and he has collaborated with esteemed brands like Comme des Garçons and Hermès, establishing himself as a significant figure in contemporary art. Shinjo's artistic endeavors are characterized by a deep exploration of identity and expression, with his latest project, PALI, an artist residency and gallery, underscoring his commitment to cultural exchange and innovation in art.

Miyakono Yasuda, born in 1972, is a pottery artist whose work draws inspiration from the Jomon era, reflecting a profound connection with the natural world and ancient Japanese cultural practices, particularly those related to the creation and firing of earthenware.

With a unique artistic practice that began in 2012, focusing on the integration of natural elements such as plants, minerals, and soil, particularly from areas around Jomon ruins, Yasuda's work embodies a deep reverence for the past and its enduring philosophies.

Her first solo exhibition, "ancient sound," presented in October 2019, showcased her distinctive approach to pottery, mixing clay with local natural materials and employing the traditional Noyaki (open firing) method to bring the ancient sounds and spirits of the Jomon people into the present.

Through her creations, Yasuda seeks to explore and revive the lost frequencies and resonances of ancient pottery, offering viewers a tactile and auditory connection to the spirituality and environmental wisdom of Japan's prehistoric inhabitants. Involved in the artistic activities and productions of Cosmic Wonder since its inception, Miyakono Yasuda continues to blend traditional pottery techniques with contemporary ecological sensibilities, crafting works that echo the ancient world's natural rhythms and timeless vibrations.

Hyoweon Baek, born in 1991 in Korea, moved to Japan in 2011 and graduated from the Graduate School of Fine Arts at Musashino Art University. Based in Tokyo, Baek has carved out a unique niche for herself as both a painter known for her distinctive portraits and as a model active in fashion magazines and television, blending the worlds of visual art and popular media. Her exhibitions, including "Dialogue" at AL/Tokyo and "The Organic Society of Lines and Colors Chapter 1" at UNDER the PALMO/Kamakura, showcase her exploration into the interplay between abstraction and figuration, utilizing lines and stains that reflect the intricacies of human consciousness.

Baek's artwork, characterized by its rich yet subdued color palette and delicate brushstrokes, delves into the contradictions of human nature, creating spaces within her paintings that invite viewers to engage with and expand upon their own interpretations. Continually evolving as an artist, Hyoweon Baek is preparing for her upcoming solo exhibition this summer, promising to further explore the nuanced relationships between space, color, and human emotion in her distinctive style.

Yasushi Amano, born in 1998 in Onomichi, Hiroshima, is a Gifu-based potter renowned for his unique approach to ceramics, blending traditional techniques with a deep exploration of human spirituality and expression. After graduating from Kyoto City University of Arts in 2021 with a focus on ceramics, Amano continued his education at the Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center, further honing his craft and technical skills in ceramic art. His artistic journey includes notable exhibitions such as "往来するアストラル・ポイント" at Alternative Space Yuge in Kyoto in 2024, and "Ceramic Synergy" in Kyoko in 2023, showcasing his evolving style and deepening thematic focus.

Amano's work, heavily influenced by the spiritual depth of human figures like the Shitenno statue in Kyoto, employs clay's plasticity to explore and express human emotions and spiritual relationships through hand-built, large forms, where he aims to capture the soul's imprints. Currently assisting internationally acclaimed ceramicist Masaomi Yasunaga, Amano is immersing himself in innovative ceramic techniques that challenge conventional boundaries, reflecting a commitment to capturing the complexity of human emotions and the spiritual narrative within his creations.

Hideki Makiguchi, born in 1985 in Sapporo, is a Tokyo-based photographer whose work captures the profound sense of existence within seemingly empty spaces, transforming silence and void into evocative visual narratives.

Educated at Tama Art University and Tokyo University of the Arts, where he obtained his master's in Intermedia Art, Makiguchi's academic background deeply informs his conceptual approach to photography, blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes.

With notable solo exhibitions like "Back is always the void" at VACANT and "Quiet, Unlimited, Close to Nothing, Invisible Place" at LIQUIDROOM, as well as participation in significant group exhibitions, his work challenges viewers to find substance in absence and contemplate the unseen.

Through his series "Places" and other works, Makiguchi invites exploration beyond the visible, delving into the essence of space and existence, and has compiled over a hundred drawings that act as a diary for his artistic journey since 2009. His latest photo book represents over a decade of meticulous work, offering readers an intimate journey into Makiguchi's unique perspective, where each photograph serves as a silent, unresolved mystery that encourages a deeper understanding of the spaces between us.

Jon Koko, born in 1988 in Sweden, is a painter and sculptor known for his tranquil and meditative illustrations that reflect a profound connection to Eastern philosophies and a unique blend of cultural influences. After a transformative journey to India in his twenties, Koko developed an artistic voice that resonates with themes of solitude, balance, and the beauty of empty spaces, deeply influenced by the principles of Ma and Zen.

Educated in a diverse array of fields including Japanese Art, Architecture, and Aesthetic Art & Form, Koko currently resides and works in Malmö, Sweden, maintaining a Spartan-like solitude essential for his creative process. His work, celebrated for its serene simplicity and harmonic balance, has evolved from vibrant, dynamic compositions to minimalist scenes that invite contemplation, influenced by his studies and the quiet Swedish landscapes. Koko’s recent three-month residency in Tokyo has further deepened his ties to Japan, influencing his latest projects and continuing his journey of artistic exploration and the pursuit of tranquility in both life and art.

Midori Arai, born in 1992 in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, is an esteemed painter known for her unique synthesis of Western and Asian artistic styles. She completed her education at Tokyo Zokei University and Kyoto University of the Arts, specializing in oil painting. Currently residing in Kyoto, Arai has developed a distinctive painting technique that combines the physicality of movement with the introspective depth of traditional Asian aesthetics, reminiscent of the expressive strokes found in the works of Cy Twombly. Her artwork is recognized for its exploration of the unconscious and the tangible, using layers of oil paint, pencil strokes, and pastels to navigate the finite nature of human existence against the backdrop of infinite artistic expression.

Arai has gained notable recognition for her innovative approach, receiving accolades such as the TURNER AWARD selection and the Excellence Award at the Kyoto University of the Arts Graduate School Completion Exhibition. Known for bridging the gap between Eastern and Western artistic philosophies, Arai's work invites viewers into a dialogue between the visible and the invisible, the personal and the universal, capturing the ephemeral moments of human experience through her evocative paintings.

Misa Shinshi, born in 1998 in Kyoto, Japan, graduated from Kyoto City University of Arts in 2021, specializing in oil painting. Currently based in Paris, her work delves into the themes of time's eternity and the material cycle as a commentary on modern consumption society. Shinshi’s artistic expression is notably concentrated on the transformation of stones, symbolizing the ongoing dialogue between nature and the self. Her paintings reflect on the ever-changing forms of stones, capturing their correlation with natural processes and their inherent timelessness.

Throughout her burgeoning career, Shinshi has participated in several group exhibitions, showcasing her work in various cities including Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, with notable exhibitions such as "Brackish waters" at Bison Gallery, Hyogo, and "IN THE FLOW" at Shoeido Kunjukan, Kyoto. Her solo exhibitions, such as "Emerging Contours" at Chignitta Space, Osaka, and "Shape of time" at Atelier ST, CAT, Tokyo, have further solidified her reputation, allowing her a platform to fully explore and present her philosophical and environmental musings through her artwork. Shinshi has been recognized for her insightful exploration of natural cycles and temporal eternity within her art, notably receiving accolades like the prestigious award at the "Metasequoia Kyomachibori Art Fair 2022," highlighting her as a notable emerging talent in the contemporary art scene. Her work continues to evolve as she seeks to bridge the connection between human perception and the timeless narratives of nature.