Kenichiro Sakurai, Artist

Kenichiro Sakurai is a self-taught artist and writer whose creations of eastern and modern art often incorporate the use of calligraphy and echigokadode Japanese paper.  Echigokadode paper is a fine, traditional Japanese paper called washi that is made from the inner fibers of three native Japanese plants.  Sakurai is particularly partial to echigokadode because of its rough texture. 

Sakurai’s works have been displayed internationally in Japan, Hong Kong and France since 1995.  He is also deeply engaged in developing networks of young artists in Niigata on Honshu Island in Japan.  In 1998 he formed LREX, a project which gathers young artists from various genres in Niigata to explore new possibilities in expressing art.  As part of LREX, Sakurai initiated an annual participatory exhibition for artists called the Relay Art Exhibition.  The exhibitions are held predominately in the Niigata prefecture where he currently resides.

The Annulus of the Triangle

Sakurai is currently the owner of Atelier KEN, a company he established in 1989 and where he focuses on producing works of calligraphy and graphic design for sale and exhibitions.  At Atelier KEN he is responsible for the overall design and production of calligraphy and graphic design pieces.  He is also a part time professor at the Nagaoka Institute of Design.  Sakurai was born in Yoshida Town in the Niigata Prefecture of Japan.

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