Akiko SUMIYOSHI

Akiko SUMIYOSHI was born in Chiba Prefecture, Japan in 1981. After graduating from Bunkyo Art University, she began her career as an artist in 2005. Her artistic language 

Includes painting, sculpture, and installation art, constructing a world where reality and fantasy merge in a vibrant forest setting. The creatures in her works have soft, cute features and inhabit whimsical landscapes, showcasing a unique worldview. 

SUMIYOSHI's portrayal of animals is not the result of mere imagination, but is deeply rooted in a rigorous and extensive study of reference materials, illustrated books, and the behavioral and physiological characteristics of animals. This methodical approach imbues her work with a sense of authenticity, transforming fantastical creatures into compelling, believable beings. This blend of emotional depth and intellectual rigor infuses her creations with a dynamic vitality, continually bringing them to life. Her work pushes the boundaries of her imagined forest world, transforming it into a tender yet resolute narrative of existence. In doing so, it resonates with nostalgic echoes of childhood and fosters a profound connection to the natural world. 

SUMIYOSHI's selected exhibitions include: ONE ART Taipei, Taiwan (2024), Art Fair Asia Fukuoka, Japan (2023), ART Osaka, Japan (2021), Takashimaya Art Gallery, Shinjuku, Japan (2020), Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store, Japan (2016), Art Fair Tokyo, Japan (2012), Art Busan, South Korea (2012).