profile
About Painter BUNTA iNOUE
Through his involvement with the global marine conservation organization OSEANA and long-term engagements with Japan's iconic shrines, temples, and sumo, he transcends conventional art genres to explore countless themes such as the fragility of life, complex human emotions, and the delicate balance between nature and humanity. He continuously depicts coexistence between humans and living beings and prayers for peace. Seamlessly integrating traditional Japanese art techniques like sumi-e (ink painting) and ikebana (flower arranging) into contemporary contexts, he creates a unique aesthetic of peace that blends old and new, East and West.
Biography
- 1990 : Studied under the painter Kuniyoshi Kaneko
- 1999 : Selected as the representative of the Asian continent in the "Levi's vintage clothing" project by BBH in the UK and I.D MAGAZINE. Later awarded the grand prize and collaborated with photographer Nan Goldin for "Visionaire 31 - Blue."
- Since 2006, exhibited at various international art fairs. Created fusuma paintings and murals for famous temples, shrines, and government offices in Japan. Also worked on sumo wrestler ceremonial aprons. Designed and supervised the art for NHK puppet dramas "The New Three Musketeers" and "Sherlock Holmes."
- 2011 : Participated in NY Christie's The Green Auction 2011
- 2012 : Main visual artist and exhibitor for NY Christie's The Green Auction 2012 + Stella
- 2012 : Main visual artist and exhibitor for NY Christie's The Green Auction 2012 + Stella McCartney × Bunta Inoue collaboration. Continued to exhibit at the OCEANA NEW YORK GALA from 2016 onwards.
- Since 2011, appointed as a director and education officer for the marine conservation organization "Sailors for the Sea JAPAN." Held solo exhibitions at places like Tateyama Castle and the Yokosuka Museum of Art. Painted stage backgrounds for Noh and Kyogen performances at the Yokosuka Museum of Art.
- 2022 : HYDE-produced Bunta Inoue's first art book "Inspiration ～ iNSPiRATiONS～ The Art Madman Bunta Inoue" released
- 2022 : Collaboration with Susan & David Jr. Rockefeller during their visit to Japan at the artist's studio
- 2023 : Live painting mural at Canal Café, Iidabashi, Tokyo
- 2023 : Exhibition of original artwork at Kuroiwa in Ebisu, Tokyo
- 2023 : Special solo exhibition "Yumeji Takehisa ・ Bunta Inoue Special Collaboration Exhibition 'Love and Dreams Transcending Time and Space'" at the 3rd-floor Minatoya Salon, Yumeji Takehisa Ikaho Memorial Hall, Gunma
- 2023 : "Art Journey with HYDE × The Art Madman Bunta Inoue" on HYDE CHANNEL
- 2023 : Exhibition of original artwork and Tanabata Festival at Togo Shrine, Harajuku, Tokyo
- 2023 : Collaboration with The Art Madman Bunta Inoue at Hara Museum ARC SHOP@CAFE for "Blue Part I" at Hara Museum ARC Café Dahl and The Museum Shop, Gunma
- 2023 : "Golf Cart 'Victoire de l’amour'" at Ikaho Country Club, Gunma
- 2023 : Solo exhibition "The Art Madman Bunta Inoue Exhibition 'Seamless - As Long As I Can Paint, It's All Good'" at Maruzen Marunouchi Main Store 4th Floor Gallery, Tokyo
- 2024 : Official offering at the Fushimi Inari Taisha Hatsuuma Festival, Kyoto
About BUNTA iNOUE
Studied under painter Kaneko Kuniyoshi
Continues to paint every day
I LOVE THE EARTH.
Painter BUNTA iNOUE