“I try to speak of universal truths.”
The mythology of painting
Miwa Komatsu has one main objective in her practice – to translate spirituality into works of art. Working across different media, she explores Japanese folklore, Buddhism and other mythologies. She grew up in Nagano, the city with the highest mountains in Japan. This gave her "a deep sense of connection with the outside world, far beyond physical borders.” Her process often begins with prayer and meditation. This is a crucial part of connecting with the immaterial world she strives to channel. While Komatsu is best known for her paintings, she’s also made etchings, porcelain sculptures and vi...
Bio
Miwa Komatsu was born in Nagano, Japan in 1984. She lives and works between Nagano and Tokyo.
Did you know?
The yamainu (mountain-dog) figures in Komatsu’s paintings are inspired by an experience she had as a child. She once got lost in a forest in Nagano and envisioned this mythical creature guiding her home. It reappears in her art as a symbol of “the proper way to live, the correct path.”
Collections
In 2015, Komatsu decorated a pair of porcelain komainu (lion dogs) for the Chelsea flower show. These now form part of the British Museum’s permanent collection.
