KIE Imai
KIE Imai
Metal Sculptor. I create concrete representations of plants and living things using “tankin”, which is a method of shaping metal materials by hammering them, exploring the unique vitality of my work.
I feel a sense of "life and death" in the process of forging, which involves hammering metal pieces into a 3-D shape, in my case living creatures. This is a transformation of a lifeless material into a lively being.
Hitting, scratching, and deforming metals, and making cavities inside with the technique of squeezing, feels like something close to death to me.
However, the works completed after going through such a destructive process have a strange sense of vitality and freshness. I've always been inspired by that, and it's helped me survive.
Biography
Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1995.
2013-2018 Graduated from Tama Art University, Department of Crafts, Metals
2018-2020 Tokyo University of the Arts, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Department of Crafts, Master's Course, Completed
2020-2021 Modeled the prototypes of jewelry at F.D.C. PRODUCTS Inc. (YONDOSHI HOLDINGS INC.)
2022-2023 Tokyo University of the Arts, Graduate School, Division of Fine Arts, Department of Crafts, Research Student, Completed
2023-Present Doctoral student in the Department of Industrial Arts, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
Exhibition
2022 "Errors of Discharge," Former Hirakushi Denchu Residence Atelier, Tokyo, Japan
2022 "Vomit, Life" ICHIGOYA, Yanaka Ginza Store / Tokyo, Japan
2021 "Purification of Swallowing" Gallery Ishikawa / Tokyo
2020 "Errors in Flower Play," galerie H, Tokyo
Participating exhibition
2024 "Onbeat Art Show" Korinbo Yamato / Ishikawa
2024 "Onbeat Art Show" Hiroshima Mitsukoshi / Hiroshima
2023 "Onbeat Art Show" Toyama Yamato / Toyama
2023 "Onbeat Art Show" Ginza Mitsukoshi / Tokyo
2023 "Hadon" Nakamachi House / Tokyo
2023 "zén- TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK" The Blue Gallery / New York
2023 "Geidai Myth-Geishin-" Geidai Art Plaza / Tokyo
2018-19.22-24 "Tokyo University of the Arts Results Exhibition" Tennozu Central Tower / Tokyo
2022 "ARTS. Mori" Shibuya Hikarie 8/COURT/Tokyo
2021 "At the time of the first Pattro Ronjou -2021" Online
2020 "Woman Power" Ishikawa Gallery / Tokyo
2020 "Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation Class Exhibition" Masaki Memorial Hall / Tokyo
2019 "First Patronage Program 2019" KITTE Marunouchi / Tokyo
2019 "Geidai Art Plaza Grand Prize Exhibition" Geidai Art Plaza / Tokyo
2018 "Komitecol Veil Award 2018" Tokyo University of the Arts Museum / Tokyo
2018 "Gin Tea Association in Geidai" Ginza Itoya / Tokyo
2018 "Kagari -Tama Art University Department of Crafts Graduation Production Exhibition" Spiral / Tokyo
2017 "Relevible cubes" Tama Art University / Tokyo
2017 "53rd Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition" Kanagawa Prefectural Hall / Kanagawa
2017 "Iron is hot" Tennozu Central Tower / Tokyo
2016 "River Yukue" Tamashin Risuru Hall / Tokyo
2015 "Girls Room" Gallery Spacespace / Tokyo
Award
2024 JX Metals Corporation Prize Winner
2019 Ataka Prize Winner
2019 Kawamura Cultural Arts Award, 2nd Prize
2018 Comite Colbert Award 2018 Finalist
2018 Geidai Art Plaza Grand Prize Exhibition, Selected Finalist
2018 Tama Art University Graduation System, Excellent Work
2017 Selected, 53rd Kanagawa Prefecture Art Exhibition, Crafts Division
Collection
2024 Rinzai Sankoin Temple
2023 Rinzai Sankoin Temple
2021 Charm Premier Grand Minami-Azabu
2020 Charm Suite Koenji
2020 Charm Premier Kamakurayama
2020 Charm Premier Kakinokizaka
Public Subsidy
2013 Taiju Sasaki Scholarship Foundation Design Arts and Crafts Scholarship
2022 Taito City Arts and Culture Support System
2019 Taiju Sasaki Scholarship Foundation Design Arts and Crafts Scholarship
Publication
2023 Bilingual art magazine "Onbeat Vol.19"
2020 "Rookie column selected by the editorial department" "Art Window" Seikatsu no Tomo Co. in 2020, May issue
2018 "EXHBITIONS Komitecolber Award 2018 -Modern people and Nature-" "Bijutsu Techo ONLINE"
Member of Society for Art Education Studies and Study Group for History of Crafts