Established in 1965, the Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition is the largest open-call art exhibition in the prefecture. It is held as a place where art enthusiasts active in various fields can inspire each other and nurture new talent, with the aim of providing opportunities for artists to present their work.

This year, we received 1,272 outstanding entries from all over Japan, and after rigorous judging, the grand prize winners were selected in each of the four categories: two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, crafts, calligraphy, and photography. This time, we interviewed the four grand prize winners.

Planar and 3D Division Mr. Rin
"The gap where lightning strikes"

-Congratulations on winning the Grand Prize. Please tell us how you feel right now.

I am truly grateful to the judges who selected my work. Actually, I missed the phone call from the Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition that day. I saw the email informing me that I had won the grand prize. I was crying.
I had mixed feelings upon receiving the award. I am truly grateful to the Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition for giving me this valuable opportunity. Remembering my experience studying in Japan, I am glad that I chose to persevere with my dream even when I faced setbacks. Afterwards, I told my parents about the award, explaining that the prize money would go towards my art college tuition, and I also shared this wonderful result with Professor Osamu Obi, who has supported me throughout this process.
I am truly grateful to the Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition and to the judges who selected my work.

-What made you decide to become an artist?

I am currently an international student at an art university. Initially, it was simply because I loved drawing. I attended a foreign language school in high school, and that's when I first learned about Japanese painting. It's quiet, but it embodies beautiful human emotions, and as an introverted person, I longed to study in Japan.
Since coming to Japan, I haven't been successful in my entrance exams and haven't been accepted into my desired school. Because I'm an introverted person, it's difficult for me to express my strengths in front of others, and there were times when I considered giving up. The reason I wanted to quit art was because of the bitter experience of failure. It's not that I no longer wanted to paint. At that time, I just wanted to escape from failing.
I knew I still loved to draw, so I applied to several art schools, hoping that if I passed one, I could continue drawing. Even after entering art college, my creative work slowly emerged from the shadow of my previous failures. I took a year off to retake the entrance exams, then entered a new art college, and two years later, I finally transferred to my dream school. In the future, I hope I have the potential to truly become an artist.

What made you decide to apply this time?

My previous art university was in Kanagawa Prefecture. I learned about the Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition from posters at school.
It's a large-scale, long-established open-call exhibition that I've always admired. I participated last year and was selected as a winner. Since entering my new art university, I've enjoyed researching techniques and materials. This year's work is completely different from last year's.
I am particularly interested in Professor Tsutomu Mizusawa. Aside from having seen his writings in an art magazine before, this is the first time I've heard of his name appearing in writings about Japanese psychic abilities. I myself have had a deep interest in traditional Asian mysticism since childhood, so seeing Professor Mizusawa's name on the judging panel piqued my curiosity.

-Please tell us about the concept of the work and the thoughts you put into it while creating it.

My current work is basically about my own fantasies. I want to incorporate Asian folklore and traditional culture into my fantasies and express new values that are relevant to modern society, based on my own ideas. My main material for painting is tempera.
Lightning strikes are often accompanied by supernatural phenomena, and the image depicts a spirit reluctant to leave the ruined castle, waiting for the destroyed land. When I painted this work, I was thinking about the romantic Asian view of life and death, and how ghosts also have their own emotions.
When I first arrived in Japan, I saw houses surrounding cemeteries. The Japanese believe that this is a way for deceased elders to bless those who are still alive. It seems that the deceased still maintain a certain strong connection with the living, and I feel that the boundary between life and death is gradually becoming blurred.

-What were the things you focused on the most and the things you struggled with?

In fantasy works, I think your own feelings and emotions are important.
I probably feel overwhelmed when I don't have enough time. Every school assignment has a time limit, and it's difficult to finish a drawing once the time is up. Right now, I'm still struggling within the confines of school rules.

-Please tell us about your future activities and goals.

My goal is to become an artist. I plan to hold my first solo exhibition next year. I will continue to paint from now on.
Looking ahead, I will continue to research techniques and materials. I will continue to create fantastical works related to traditional Asian folk culture. Thank you very much for giving me this valuable opportunity at the 59th Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition.

—Could you please give a short message to everyone aiming to apply next year?

I believe that the Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition will bring together strangers and create possibilities for the future.

"profile"

Rin

[Brief Biography]
Born in Chongqing, China.
After graduating from high school, I studied abroad in Japan.
Entered Kobe Design University in 2020.
2021 Admission to Joshibi University of Art and Design
Transferred to Musashino Art University as a second-year student in 2023.
[Exhibition]
2022: Received the Kirishima Cultural Association Award at the 18th Kirishima Art Grand Prize Exhibition / Kokubu Civic Center
2022 Special Award Traveling Exhibition in the General Category / Former Tanaka Family Villa
Selected for the 33rd Mihama Art Exhibition in 2022 / Mihama Town Lifelong Learning Center Navias, Fukui Prefecture
2023 Kunitachi City 3 Galleries Joint Project "Tsunagu Exhibition" / Art Space 88
Selected for the 58th Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition, 2023 / Kanagawa Prefectural Hall Gallery
2023 Over REV. Asian International Student Artist Exchange Exhibition / The Artcomplex Center of Tokyo ACT
2023: Received the Yuwa Kabayama Award for my second-year student project in the Department of Oil Painting at Musashino Art University.
2024 MUSABI Open Campus Student Selection Exhibition / On Campus

Craftswoman Aimi Washino
"moment"

-Congratulations on winning the grand prize. Please tell us how you feel right now.
　
I'm very happy. As an artist, it's wonderful to have my work appreciated, and it gives me confidence in creating future works.

- What inspired you to choose the path of becoming an artist?
　
I believe it's all thanks to the support of my family who cheer me on.
　
- What motivated you to apply this time?
　
It all started about 10 years ago when I was a university student and saw the call for entries. Since I'm from Kanagawa Prefecture, I've always wanted to apply. I've also recently completed a major project of my own, so I decided to apply this time.
　
—Could you tell us about the concept behind your work and the thoughts you put into its creation?
　
This piece is titled "Shunkoku" (meaning "instantaneous moment"), inspired by the image of a fleeting hunt. It is a marquetry sculpture depicting an owl in flight, with a sharp gaze fixed on its prey.

- Could you tell us about the aspects you focused on the most, and any difficulties you encountered?
　
My focus was on the representation of the feather's marquetry. I layered pieces of wood less than 1mm thick to create the owl's feather pattern using the marquetry technique. The most challenging part was hollowing out the inside of the body to give it a light feel. I made an effort to express the owl's lightness even in the parts that aren't visible.
　
- Please tell us about your future activities and goals.
　
Regarding my future activities, I have always created works that I wanted to make. Therefore, I would like to see and experience various things and use them in my future creations. As for my future goals, as an artist from Kanagawa Prefecture, I would like to be active both domestically and internationally.
　
- Please give a short message to everyone who is aiming to apply next year.
　
The Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition is now open to submissions from all over Japan, with no age restrictions and the ability to create larger works than before. It's a great opportunity to create whatever you like and share it with others. I encourage you to submit your work!

"profile"

Aimi Washino

HP: https://manamiwashino.com
Campfire: https://community.camp-fire.jp/projects/view/655527
X: https://x.com/manamiwashino
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manamiwashino/

[Brief Biography]
Born in November 1992 in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
April 2012: Enrolled in the Department of Design at Tokyo University of the Arts.
March 2018: Completed graduate studies at the Department of Design, Spatial and Architectural Design Laboratory, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
April 2018: Part-time lecturer, Design Course, Department of Integrated Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba University
Currently, I am an educational research assistant in the Department of Design at Tokyo University of the Arts.
[Awards]
2016 64th Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation/Completion Works Exhibition Tokyo University of the Arts Heisei Art Award
2016 MITSUKOSHI x Tokyo University of the Arts Design Competition Art & Creation Design Award Audience Award
2017, Ukichiro Nakaya Snow Science Museum, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture: Honorable Mention, "Snow Design Award"
2018, 66th Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation and Completion Exhibition, Taito Ward Mayor's Encouragement Award
[Main Exhibition History]
January 2016, The 64th Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation and Completion Exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
June 2016, Heisei Memorial Museum Gallery: "Tokyo University of the Arts Heisei Art Award Winners Exhibition: Future Great Artists"
July 2016, Aoyama Spiral: "Experiments in Living Space Design"
August 2016, Special venue in front of the escalator on the 1st floor of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi New Building: "MITSUKOSHI x Tokyo University of the Arts Design Competition Art & Creation Design Award"
January 2018, The 66th Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation and Completion Exhibition, Tokyo University of the Arts Museum, 3rd Floor
February 2018 Seibu Shibuya Store B Building 8th Floor Art Gallery “Tokyo University of the Arts 130th Anniversary ARTS AFFAIR OF GEIDAI”
April 2018, Aoyama Spiral, 3rd Floor, SICF19
May 2018, Shinjuku Isetan 5th Floor Art Gallery
June 2018, Shinjuku Isetan 5th Floor Art Gallery
August 2018, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, 6th Floor, Art Floor, MITSUKOSHI x Tokyo University of the Arts Summer Art Festival 2018
August 2018, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building, 6th Floor Art Gallery, Solo Exhibition
February 2019, Ginza Mitsukoshi 7th Floor, Japan Edition, Seizan Gallery, Permanent Exhibition Space
May 2019, Spiral Garden, Aoyama: "Soto Exhibition" (Tokyo University of the Arts & Alumni)
May 2019, Shibuya Hikarie 8th Floor CUBE1,2,3 / Gallery MONSTER Exhibition
August 2019, Paris Exhibition Galerie Grand E'Terna Paris
October 2019, Hoshino Resorts OMO Tokyo Otsuka Base, OMO Base Base Solo Exhibition
October 2021: Solo exhibition at the "Ko-Tori no Ichi" event held at the Nishi-Gotanda office (Foundation Secretariat) of the Wild Bird Society of Japan.
April 2023, Jingumae TIERS GALLERY
September 2023 New York City Blue Gallery
November 2023 BAG -Brillia Art Gallery

Calligraphy by Yukio Kataoka
"Li He Poetry"

-Congratulations on winning the Grand Prize. Please tell us how you feel right now.

Thank you very much. I feel a great sense of responsibility for receiving this award. Along with that weight of responsibility, I am also filled with gratitude towards my teacher and fellow calligraphers.

-What made you decide to become an artist?

I started learning calligraphy because I wanted to acquire it as a form of cultural refinement. Now that I've reached an age where I feel I'm at the halfway point of my life in this era of 100-year lifespans, I've decided to dedicate myself to calligraphy.
I wanted to live a life where I could say I had "dedicated myself" to something.

What made you decide to apply this time?

When the art exhibition's entry requirements became nationwide, I initially gave up on applying because I was overwhelmed by the high barrier to entry. However, someone encouraged me to apply again, and I resumed my efforts a few years ago. I believe this is a valuable calligraphy exhibition where you can see a variety of calligraphic styles all in one place.

-Please tell us about the concept of the work and the thoughts you put into it while creating it.

The golden dragon and bat motifs on the bright yellow dyed paper are reminiscent of Chinese emperors. I wanted to express characters that possess both richness and strength, like the plaques in the Forbidden City, the former residence of the emperors.

-What were the things you focused on the most and the things you struggled with?

I asked the framing shop to wait until the very last minute before the deadline. I put a lot of effort into writing the text of the artwork, but what I paid the most attention to was the final touch of stamping the artist's seal after finishing the piece. I struggled with the color of the seal to use on the bright yellow paper. The size of the seal, the position where it was stamped, the amount of ink applied—this too is part of the artwork.

- Please tell us about your future activities and goals.
I intend to continue enjoying the scent of ink as I always have. I want to express the image of the characters within my heart through the brush, and refine them into works of art that possess dignity.

- Please give a short message to everyone who is aiming to apply next year.

The appeal of the Kanagawa Prefectural Art Exhibition lies in the fact that the judging panel includes people other than calligraphers, such as critics and curators. Please create a piece that reflects your own "I want to write like this" style.

"profile"

Yukiaki Kataoka

[Brief Biography]
Born in Yokohama City in 1960.
Judging Member for the Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition
Touhou Shodouin Doujin
Council Member of the Morning Writing Society
Director of Higashihara Calligraphy Association
Kanagawa Calligraphers Club Member
Teacher: Ransuke Ikoma

[Awards]
Selected for the Nitten Exhibition
Mainichi Calligraphy Exhibition Member Award

Photo by Yu Ah-gan
"ABBA"

-Congratulations on winning the Grand Prize. Please tell us how you feel right now.

I was truly surprised when I received the notification that I had won the Grand Prize. First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the judges. I would also like to thank Professor Yoshinori Marui, my graduate school advisor, for his various advice on selecting and editing my work.

-What made you decide to become an artist?

I love taking pictures. I chose photography as my path because I wanted to observe and experience all sorts of beautiful and interesting things in the world through photography.

What made you decide to apply this time?

Actually, last year, Professor Ohara, who was a judge for the photography category, invited me to apply, but I didn't apply because I lacked confidence. This year, I wanted to challenge myself, so I mustered up the courage to apply.

—Could you tell us about the concept behind your work and the thoughts you put into its creation?
"Aba" is a collection of photographs I took in my hometown, located deep in the mountains of China. Although I left my hometown to live in a big city for my studies when I was little, every time I returned, my heart was healed. I wanted to express the beauty and richness of my hometown through my photography.

-What were the things you focused on the most and the things you struggled with?

These are film photographs taken in the winter highlands. I repeatedly adjusted the colors to create an overall pure white impression, and I fine-tuned the highlights to the very limit to prevent them from being overexposed. After carefully considering what kind of images I wanted to present, I finally placed photographs of natural landscapes and religious themes on the left and right, and connected portraits representing human life in the center.

-Please tell us about your future activities and goals.

I want to continue taking pictures while observing the beautiful things around me.

—Could you please give a short message to everyone aiming to apply next year?

You will receive various comments and valuable opinions from the judges, so please do apply.

"profile"

Yu Agan

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuagan/
[Brief Biography]
Born in Sichuan Province, China in 1995.
2018 Arrival in Japan
Completed postgraduate research program at Tokyo Polytechnic University in 2022.
Currently enrolled in the Graduate School of Arts at Tokyo Polytechnic University.

[Award]
APA AWARD 2024 Selected