Ayako Rokkaku

Ayako Rokkaku, born in 1982 in Chiba, Japan, is a prominent contemporary artist known for her vibrant, expressive paintings.

The self-taught Japanese artist creates cartoonish characters in exuberant, rainbow-coloured fields. The whimsical and child-like quality of her work invites viewers to enter a space of innocence and wonder, evoking feelings of nostalgia and joy. Unlike traditional painters, Rokkaku paints with her bare hands, using her fingers to create intricate, textured compositions. This tactile approach allows her to connect intimately with her medium, resulting in energetic and dynamic works that resonate with spontaneity and emotion.

Rokkaku began painting in 2022. In 2006 she was awarded the prestigious Akio Goto Prize at Kaikai Kiki’s Geisai art fair. Since then, her work has gained significant recognition in the art world, leading to numerous exhibitions and a growing demand for her pieces. Christie’s sold her Untitled (2021) painting in 2022 for HK$10,290,000. Collectors and art enthusiasts are drawn to her fresh approach and the emotive power of her works, making her a sought-after artist in contemporary art circles.

Her exhibitions span globally, including at galleries in Paris, Tokyo and Amsterdam. In 2015 Rokkaku participated in the Swatch Art Pavilion’s Open Studio at the Venice Biennale. Ayako Rokkaku’s art transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, touching the hearts of people around the world.