KUROKI Shu

Born: 1965 Miyazaki

Medium: Clothgraph

Shu Kuroki is an engraver who uses a unique method of transfer called “clothgraph,” which is equivalent to lithograph printing using cloth pressed against woodcuts. The soft texture of the cloth, combined with the oil or watercolors, give his prints a distinctive depth, and the balance of the shapes and colors that result are a signature of his work.

The son of kimono tailors, Kuroki credits his parents for his sense of color, while his sense of proportion can be seen by the way he positions lines, circles and rectangles. His work is contemporary, yet retains elements of traditional Japanese aesthetics.

His work has been noted for being able to stimulate the imagination of its viewers. He creates in prolific bursts, sometimes 60 to 70 pieces at a time. About his process, Kuroki says, “No matter if it is big or small, when I create art works, new ideas and subjects can be seen, which pushes me to create more artwork. If I try to surpass it, the number of the art works will inevitably increase, although I wish to create more. Motifs can be my personal effects. I create my artworks by clipping and reconstructing them, therefore my work looks like abstract although it is created by the representational point of view.”