Article — 5 Min Read

10 Things to Know about KYNE

Article — 5 Min Read

10 Things to Know about KYNE

KYNE is a creative force known for his unique style and captivating artworks. With a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary influences, KYNE has garnered attention and admiration from art enthusiasts worldwide. Here are ten things to know about KYNE.

Silkscreen on smooth paper, Untitled G, 2021

 

1. Early Beginnings

KYNE started his artistic career in his hometown of Fukuoka around 2006. It was during this time that he began developing his unique style, with a focus on cool female figures inspired by 80s culture.

2. Unique Artistic Style

KYNE’s artworks reflect the influence of Japanese painting, graffiti, pop culture from the 1980s, and modern mixed culture. They combine seemingly unrelated elements to create a distinct visual language.

3. Collaboration with Takashi Murakami

KYNE had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artist Takashi Murakami. KYNE’s cool female figures are set against Murakami’s playful, colourful backgrounds. Their collaboration represents the pinnacle of the Japanese art scene and showcases the artistic prowess of both artists.

4. Influence of Popular Culture

KYNE’s art is heavily influenced by popular culture, including idols, music, and mainly the culture of the 1980s. He was particularly inspired by the Japanese rock band Kishidan, which led him to explore various cultural references from that era.

5. Interest in Street Culture

Aside from pop culture, KYNE was also influenced by street culture, such as graffiti, during the 90s. He experimented with graffiti art before delving into the world of hip-hop and developing an interest in street culture as a whole.

6. Artistic Education

KYNE pursued a major in Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) at university, influenced by prominent artists in that field, including Takashi Murakami, Fuyuko Matsui, Makoto Aida, and Akira Yamaguchi. Despite his academic focus, KYNE continued to explore graffiti alongside his Nihonga studies.

7. Shaping their Style

After university, KYNE shifted his focus to acrylic painting instead of Nihonga. He sought to depict his own style and found that using lines, similar to his Nihonga training, brought out unique characteristics.

8. Portraying Coolness

When working on portraits, KYNE aims to portray the embedded coolness within themselves rather than simply depicting women in a certain way. His artworks reflect a variety of influences and elements that have shaped hia artistic journey.

9. Future Ambitions

KYNE has expressed a desire to explore larger-sized and three-dimensional works. He is also interested in creating public art that goes beyond individual ownership, signaling a potential shift toward more expansive and immersive art forms.

10. Recognition and Acclaim

KYNE has gained strong acclaim both domestically and internationally, establishing themselves as an important figure in the contemporary art scene. His unique style, rooted in Japanese and street culture influences, continues to captivate audiences and push artistic boundaries.

Through his fusion of diverse influences, KYNE creates captivating artworks that celebrate Japanese cultural heritage, pay homage to popular culture, and express his own distinct artistic voice. His commitment to innovation and exploration ensures that his art will remain relevant and thought-provoking in the ever-evolving art world.

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