Kanta Kimura (b. 1982) is a Japanese-German painter based in Berlin, known for his distinctive grid-like paintings that merge layered structures with intense coloring.
Kimura’s educational background includes a diploma in Fine Arts from the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart and further studies at the Berlin University of the Arts. His career has been marked by meticulous development of a unique technique that combines classical painting traditions with modern innovation, establishing him as a key position in Berlin’s contemporary painting scene.
Kimura’s technique involves applying oil paint and pigments on canvas using compressed air, either through his own breath or an air compressor. This method creates intricate patterns and textures, resulting in surfaces that, despite their three-dimensional appearance, are strikingly flat and level, almost as if printed. This technique creates the illusion of a “frozen moment in time,” where layers of color from different periods coexist, revealing a tableau that captures the past, present and future.
While Kimura’s work references the aesthetics of Ukiyo, the traditional Japanese concept of the “floating world,” his practice diverges significantly in medium and technique. Ukiyo, celebrated for its depiction of transient beauty and the ephemerality of life, traditionally appears in woodblock prints and paintings. In contrast, Kimura transposes this concept into the European tradition of oil on canvas. This nod to Ukiyo underscores a connection to Japanese cultural heritage while firmly situating his work within a contemporary context.
Kimura’s paintings are distinguished by their organic and trompe l’oeil qualities, aesthetically unique in contemporary art. The organic aspect is evident in the sharp edges, fluidity and natural movement of the paint, contrasting with the precise, grid-like structures. This dynamic interplay creates a sense of life within the seemingly static images. The trompe l’oeil effect, achieved through masterful manipulation of paint and air pressure, makes the surfaces appear three-dimensional while remaining perfectly flat, challenging viewers’ perceptions.
Kimura’s sensitivity to materiality is evident in the fragile beauty and delicate layers of his work. Each piece captures the ephemeral nature of color and form, evoking transient beauty. The thin, meticulously applied layers of paint suggest a fragility that contrasts with the bold composition, creating captivating tension.
Kimura’s career has been punctuated by several notable exhibitions. He has showcased his work at prestigious venues such as the Nationalmuseum Bukarest, Romania and the Tomioka Art Museum, Japan. Additionally, his exhibitions at institutions like the Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin have provided him with platforms to refine his technique and expand his artistic horizons.
Kanta Kimura’s innovative approach and commitment to classical techniques and materials position him as a relevant and emerging figure in contemporary painting. By integrating the concept of Ukiyo with European oil painting traditions, he creates a compelling vision that honors historical techniques while pushing the boundaries of modern art.
Kimura not only preserves the legacy of Japanese cultural heritage but also redefines its relevance in the digital age, contributing significantly to the evolving discourse in contemporary art.
