Collection of works by Aki Kobori

An art book by Kobori Aki that expresses the world of “qi,” where two faces, a painter and an aikido artist, interweave.

Kobori Aki's first art book, which freely manipulates both the paintbrush and the flow of qi, is the culmination of unconventional expressions. Mr. Kobori, who began his career as an artist in earnest when he won the grand prize at the 2014 Yokohama Northern Art Competition, says that he “never thought of himself as a painter,” and it is this freedom that does not have a consistent style that vividly appeals to the sensibility of viewers.

This art book exudes signs of a life that has been walked along with over 45 years of aikido training. Above all, the 2 works in No. 50, which are drawn on the theme of “space and qi,” are symbolic experiments that crystallize the spirit and art of aikido. Expectations are also placed on the 100th series currently in production.

Paintings filled with the fundamental joy of “drawing because I just want to paint” radiate vitality beyond logic, and quietly but powerfully ask the viewer questions. This is a book where you can witness the moment when the trajectory of one artist is told beyond words.

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Art book, A4 size, 52 pages