Kaori Watanabe is currently a second year Master’s student one of Kyoto’s art universities. Though she is still a student, Watanabe has participated in a group exhibition in Italy, and has worked on the Japanese movie called Sakuran, directed by Mika Ninagawa.

Watanabe’s paintings have been successfully auctioned at Christie’s in Hong Kong. Without a doubt, she is one of the most well-known up-and-coming Japanese painters who actively produces works in many fields. The fantastic yet delicate world of Watanabe is based on the traditional techniques of Japanese painting. The transparent soft skin of a young girl, neatly drawn lines, paper cranes and ribbons spreading from the girl’s hands and chest…

Watanabe delicately expresses these color contrasts, as well as the contrast of movement and stillness. These elements directly show the susceptible state of a girl who has both the innocence of a child and the maturity of a woman.