Artist Profile Kenji Ichikawa

Artist Statement

“Botanical gardens” and “electronic circuits” might seem vastly different in appearance and structure, but I find them fundamentally similar. This sense of similarity is the foundation of my art series, Zen City. Using countless photos taken in botanical gardens, I express the internal electronic circuits of devices from an aerial perspective. Here, I explain why botanical gardens and electronic circuits are similar.

Botanical gardens are ecosystems where delicate life forms harmonize and influence each other to create a unified whole. Similarly, electronic circuits consist of intricate components intricately interconnected to form a cohesive system that powers an entire device. This intersection of the “micro” and “macro” perspectives is the commonality I see between them. The veining of leaves and the network of roots bear an uncanny resemblance to the wiring of electronic circuits, sparking my creative inspiration.

I enjoy strolling through botanical gardens. The beauty of each plant and the latent energy of life within them deeply move me. Simultaneously, I am fascinated by observing the intricate designs inside various electronic devices. The precision of their design and the marvels of human technology captivate me. It is at the intersection of these two hobbies that my artwork Zen City was born.

“Zen” is a philosophy that emphasizes inner peace and concentration to perceive the essence of things. Viewed from above, electronic circuits embody the spirit of Zen. The orderly arrangement of countless parts, creating a harmonious whole, is the essence of Zen City. Observing electronic circuits from an aerial perspective allows one to escape the chaos of daily life and immerse oneself in tranquility and harmony.

From a microscopic perspective, both electronic circuits and botanical ecosystems are composed of countless small elements that combine to create a larger system. From a macroscopic perspective, each looks like a vast city. This shift in perspective is central to my work.

Gazing and journeying through the completed Zen City is akin to life itself. By focusing on each detail, we can appreciate the overall beauty and harmony. By viewing the whole from an aerial perspective, we can rediscover what is truly important in life.

Zen City offers an opportunity to reevaluate the beauty and harmony hidden in our daily lives. Moving from a micro perspective to a macro one, and then back again, we can deepen our understanding of our own lives. Through this work, I hope to help you find your own Zen City.

Artist Biography

Born in 1967 in Nagano, Japan. From April, 1990 to March, 1994: Musashino Art University, Imaging Art course, and Bachelor’s degree in Art (Tokyo, Japan). Currently works in Tokyo and Nagano, Japan.

I have received numerous awards in various competitions such as the Japan Graphic Exhibition, the Japan Visual Art Exhibition, the APA Japan Photography Biennale, the Print 21 Grand Prix Exhibition, the Contemporary Japanese Art Exhibition, and the Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art, with my unique style of work using the technique “Pixel Montage,” which I devised in 1988.

I have exhibited at art fairs and exhibitions both domestically and internationally in cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Shanghai, New York, Milan, Bologna, Amsterdam, Ghent, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Abu Dhabi.

My works have also been featured in various media and events, including murals, portraits, magazines, books, DVD booklets, TV, and iPhone/iPad applications. I am also active under the name “Utamaro Kenji.”