Mai Kobayashi
Mai Kobayashi is a Japanese artist. Her fascination with colour began while working as a beautician for a Japanese cosmetic company, followed by a position at a photo studio where she learned the art of collage. She grew up in an area of Japan rich in nature, a significant influence on her creative process. Mai says, “I think that it is the starting point for creating an honest imagination.”
While living in Tokyo, Mai was inspired by the neon streets of downtown, and the women of the night who colourfully illuminated the darkness that spread across the neon streets. During her travels through Los Angeles, Mai was incredibly moved by the artists she met and decided it was time to make the art that was in her heart. She quickly realised the joy of expressing her imagination and has been creating ever since. Explaining her motivations, Mai says, “If the work that I express is to be of help, I will be passionate with sincerity.”
Today Mai resides in New York City and relishes the opportunities that it brings. She says, “Every day, we continue to make a new life in exciting cities, and express what we feel in New York.” Mai is active in the local creative community and held her first solo exhibition in Brooklyn followed by her second exhibition “Roman 〜in fact〜” in Manhattan’s East Village.
As a woman, Mai wishes for all women to have the option to live freely.
After a series of recent experiences that had brought change into my life, I embarked on a new creative focus concentrating primarily on fantasy art where I combine fantastical and real world issues within my work. What I feel and hear in my imagination is expressed through my art. My choice of colour and aesthetic is influenced by the traditional art and drawing techniques of my country of origin.