Profile

Namiko Kitaura was born in Tokyo in 1977. After graduating from University of the Arts London, she attended FABRICA (the Benetton communication research centre) as an artist in residence.
She produces distinctive images with a strong, personal voice with use of a unique Japanese view towards nature and the relationship between life and nature. The implied Romanticism within her works is both abstract and absolute. Through anonymous subjects such as plants, landscapes, human skin, the images contemplate each other sensually, with a sense of graceful motion suspended in a non-temporal framework. With her unique techniques, Namiko aims to visualize the almost invisible aspects of the human condition that lie below the physical, and their juxtaposition in a symbolic and metaphorical way: passion in depression, comfort in sadness, tranquility in chaos and beauty in ugliness.
Her main theme has been related to people's DND level memories, the transience of life, and beauty of this transience.

Selected exhibitions

2022: ‘Ephemeral, stories with Japanese native violas in collaboration with Niwabito @ La Terre Jiyugaoka, Tokyo
2021: 'Les vêtements pour l’été » in collaboration with L'Armoire @ the sight room, Tokyo
2021: ‘Art District Tokyo’ @ Eslite Spectrum Nihonbashi (Coredo Muromachi Terrace), Tokyo
2021: ‘TAGBOAT Art Fair’ @ Portcity Takeshiba, Tokyo
2019: ‘Venice Design 2019’ @ Palazzo Michiel, Venice
2018: ’TOKYO ILLUSION’ @ Dali Art Plaza, Taichung
2018: ‘LOOG workshop YUGEN and MIYABI’ @ Worktecht, Tokyo
2018: ‘Whiteout’ @ TAGBOAT Gallery, Tokyo
2015: ‘Recollection’ @ CANON Gallery S, Tokyo
2014: ‘Yokohama Paratriennale 2014’ curated by Sachiko Namba @ Zou-no-hana terrace, Yokohama
2012: ‘KEEP A BREAST JAPAN Tokyo Love Show’ curated by Yasha Young @ Omotesando Hills, Tokyo
2012: ‘The Common’ curated by Arata Sasaki @ GYRE, Tokyo
2012: ‘Kū’ Solaé art gallery project @ Akasaka Biz tower, Tokyo
2011: ‘Chic Art Fair 2011’ with Galerie Florence Moll @ La Cité de la Mode et du Design, Paris
2011: ‘Domestic Stills’ Solo exhibition @ Tokyo gallery, Tokyo
2008: ‘Out of Body’ video installation @ Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool
2006: ‘Tokyo Photo View’ sponsored by Polaroid, curated by Shigeo GOTO @ Roppongi Hills, Tokyo
2005: ‘Untitled’ @ Via Ventura ex-Faema, Milan

Awards

2021: Sponsorship by Agency for Cultural Affairs (Japan)
2020: Sponsorship by Arts United Fund (Japan)
2015: Sponsorship by Vanguard (USA)
2015: Sponsorship by CANON (Japan)
2014: Sponsorship by Shiseido
2007: Sponsorship by Polaroid (Japan)
2006: Sponsorship by L’Oreal Garnier Paris (France)
2006: Sponsorship by CANON (France)
2003-2005: Residency @ FABRICA the Benetton communication reserach center (Italy)
2005: PHoto España 2005 ‘Descubrimientos - One of the best selected portfolios’ (Spain)

Selected clients and sponsors

Four Seasons
CANON
NIKON
Polaroid
United Colors of Benetton
Shiseido
Cartier
Dior
Kenzo
L'Oréal