About
Life can be everything you imagine it to be - the world we live in is the world we choose to build. These are some of the driving ideologies in Shoko Yanagisawa’s artistic practice. Shoko grew up in the natural beauty of rural Japan. The sensory experience that surrounded her in adolescence created a vivid imagination which is still present in her work today. As a child, she explored the nearby mountains to hear the sounds of birds, feel the air, and smell the beautiful organic environment. These landscapes encouraged Shoko to express herself through music, drawing and painting. Cultural norms in Japan can discourage people from expressing their intimate feelings, but nature kept Shoko’s distinct sense of self expression alive.
Shoko’s desire to explore continued as she studied in Australia, Italy, and India. She learned to appreciate atmospheres with varying perspectives and terrains while she pulled inspiration from the beautiful spaces and cultures. Shoko’s lessons ranged from fashion to yoga. Her passion for art synchronized with her breathtaking encounters around the globe. These adventures broadened Shoko’s horizon while her drawing and painting facilitated joy in her spirit. Her sensitivities continued deepening through each connection and Shoko began to recognize these sensations as a superpower that we can all access through art.
Shoko unlocked a natural alignment with graphic design, becoming proficient in software like Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, etc. She kept her curiosity for creativity as her anchor, even as her skills evolved. The third eye and flower of life concepts stuck with her from her teachings in India and continue to influence the approach to her work. The patterns, hues, and impressions of the spaces she visited linger in her creative journey, leaving their unique essence.
Shoko’s artwork gained momentum when she recognized her ability to inspire joy and ease in others, as well as herself. Wonder operates as the driving force in her artistic journey, so she strives to prove to her community how limitless the world can be. Her work advocates for the force of nature that we consider to be sensitivity and its power to transform our realities. Shoko’s art continues to champion authentic feeling and alchemize emotion into energy.
"I aim to show the strength and pride behind modern women - and how these qualities are beautiful and feminine." - Shoko
Solo Exhibitions
2016 The Luffle Cafe Gallery “girls“ GIfu, Japan
Group Exhibitions
2016 la la land Gallery “FRUIT” Los Angeles, CA
2017 la la land Gallery “FOR GOODNESS SAKE” Los Angeles, CA
2018 ewkuks Gallery “Art Chemists” Los Angeles, CA
2019 Eastern Projects Gallery “Holiday pop up show” Los Angeles, CA
2021 ewkuks Gallery “ALL-AMERICAN: AN AAPI GROUP SHOW” Los Angeles, CA
2021 Eastern Projects Gallery “Heart of Lilith” Los Angeles, CA