Akane Kawahara

Featured in :

Hot Sheet - Expanding the Boundaries of Photography,  2024 

Vibrations in Nature,  2024

Akane’s exploration through the use of polarising filters taps into an unseen beauty of light beams and spectrums, revealing aspects of nature that are typically hidden from the human eye. This act symbolises the deep connection between humans and the natural world—reminding us that there is more to nature than what is immediately visible. By unveiling these hidden aspects, Akane encourages viewers to reconsider their perception of the natural world, acknowledging the layers of complexity and beauty that exist beyond our usual sensory experiences.

Akane challenges viewers to see beyond the surface , questioning the sublime qualities within everyday objects. This exploration speaks to the idea that nature is not just something to be observed but something to be understood and appreciated on a deeper level. By finding wonder in these often-overlooked items, Akane invites us to reconnect with the natural world, inspiring a sense of awe and reverence for the subtle, often unnoticed elements that make up our environment.

Artist Bio

Akane Kawahara is an interdisciplinary artist based between Tokyo and London whose work concerns the future of our bodies through sculpture, photography, video and installation. In her current work, she researches sensory perception of the world around us and the way we engage with ephemeral phenomena. Seeing the senses as tools through which we engage with our immediate surroundings, her work highlights how materiality can influence a viewer’s sensations and behaviour.

Akane graduated from an MA in Material Futures from Central Saint Martins in 2020, and went on to exhibit as part of the group exhibitions AIR 1/2F at the BnA Alter Museum in Kyoto (2021), Let’s Play with Chaos at the Aram Gallery in London (2022) and in the upcoming Hotsheet exhibition at The Department Store, Brixton, London.

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