artist/ Ken Yashiki

Japon

Born in 1983, Ken Yashiki is a Japanese artist known for his innovative approach to the Kimekomi technique. Having spent his childhood in the United States and part of his life in Singapore, he now lives and works in his native Tokyo.
After studying fashion, Ken Yashiki turned to art, using Kimekomi, a technique that involves inserting fabrics into grooves carved in wood.

Originating in Japan’s Edo period, Kimekomi dolls were first designed by Tadashige Takahashi, a carpenter working in a shrine. He used salvaged pieces of wood to carve the dolls, inserting pieces of cloth into the slits to create their clothes. These dolls are traditionally associated with Hinamatsuri, the ‘doll festival’, an annual Japanese event celebrated on 3 March, symbolising the protection of little girls from misfortune. The dolls represent characters from the imperial court of the Heian era, and are often passed down from generation to generation.

Ken Yashiki breathes new life into this ancient technique by applying it to contemporary art. He creates works that reflect his values and vision, using second-hand clothes, often worn by others, as the basis for his creations. Ken Yashiki sees clothes as remnants of people’s lives, full of stories and memories.
He explores the link between materials and human stories, offering an innovative approach to portraiture and representation. His work evokes a sense of deep connection between past, present and future, while honouring Japanese tradition. These creations embody an artistic approach that invites the viewer to discover the beauty hidden in everyday objects and to reflect on the meaning of human existence through the clothes we wear.