Yumi Asaba

Combining techniques refined through 15 years of study with a Japanese master and a deep engagement with the imagery of pop culture, this artist creates works that move between classical discipline and spontaneous popular expression. Since receiving the Turner Acryl Award Grand Prize in 1997, their practice has encompassed both academic painting and conceptual innovation. Notably, they developed the character "Pai Roach Moyoko," widely recognized in Asia and featured in projects for the Taiwanese government, department stores, and companies including NEC, Canon, and Kawasaki. Their current focus, termed "neo-conceptual character art," explores the visualization of language and identity through projects such as "CidderApetZ," which builds a "cyber garden" of characters inspired by the energy inherent in words.