Born and raised in Japan and now based in Sydney, Makiko Kimura creates contemporary works shaped by memory, nature and a deep connection to her cultural heritage.
Her paintings draw inspiration from the landscapes, botanical forms, traditional patterns and folklore of Japan. Rather than depicting these influences literally, Makiko reimagines them through colour, organic shapes and layered compositions, allowing fragments of memory and story to emerge throughout each work.
Having begun her artistic career after moving to Australia, Makiko’s practice has become a way of reconnecting with her origins while embracing the perspective of a life lived between two cultures. There is a sense of nostalgia within her work, but also playfulness and freedom. Familiar motifs are transformed, simplified and woven together in unexpected ways, giving traditional influences a distinctly contemporary expression.
Makiko works intuitively, allowing colour and form to guide each composition as it develops. Her paintings invite the viewer to discover small details and stories within the layers, while bringing warmth, movement and a sense of curiosity to the spaces they inhabit.
At the heart of her practice is an exploration of belonging—of remembering where we come from while continually creating something new.