CHIMA
Artist Profile
Born in Tokyo. She began holding a brush at the age of five and studied under calligrapher Shuen Sanada. In addition to calligraphy, she has engaged in various artistic activities including painting and theater. In 2012, she established herself as a “Bokusho artist” (abstract ink artist) in pursuit of her own form of expression, and held her first solo exhibition in 2014.
Beyond presenting her works, she actively engages in collaborative projects with artists and musicians, exploring forms of expression that go beyond the traditional concept of calligraphy. She also works with long-established Japanese craft makers, including “Iwasa,” a zori sandal brand with over 90 years of history in Osaka, as well as kilns in Hasami ware and artisans of Hakata-ori textiles. Through these collaborations, she is committed not only to ink and calligraphy, but also to sharing the appeal of Japanese traditional culture.
Works
Profile
Artist Name: CHIMA
Area of Activity: Tokyo, Japan
Born in Tokyo, Japan, CHIMA is a contemporary sumi (ink) abstraction artist whose practice explores the expressive possibilities of Japanese calligraphy and ink art. Through exhibitions, live performances, collaborative projects, and textile design, CHIMA has developed a unique artistic language that bridges traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary expression.
Selected Exhibitions, Performances, and Projects
2014
- "The World of Shuji Terayama" Reading Theater Performances, Akihabara Atelier ACT&B, Tokyo
- Live Performance "BOKKA", PLAY WITH Hatchobori, Tokyo
- Solo Exhibition "CHIMA Calligraphy Exhibition – Door", Masumi Gallery, Tokyo
- Solo Exhibition "Time and Ink", anoanogalerie, Tokyo
- Solo Exhibition "CHIMA Calligraphy Exhibition – ZERO", NANJO HOUSE, Tokyo
2015
- Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Art & Culture Exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Gallery
- "Possibilities of Washi and Shifu" (SIBSI36 Exhibition), Gallery Ginza, Tokyo
- Live Performance "BOKKA Live at Uojin", Tokyo
- Tsushima Tenno Festival Collaboration Performance, Aichi
- Group Exhibitions at Gallery HATCH and anoanogalerie, Tokyo
- Formation of the Art Unit "BOKKA"
2016
- Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly Art & Culture Exhibition
- Special Event & Live Performance at Kimono EXPO, Tokyo
- Opening Event & Live Performance, Ginza Ichiri Fukuoka Tenjin Store
- Solo Exhibition "CHIMA Calligraphy Exhibition – Ink Abstraction", Tokyu Department Store Shibuya Main Store, Tokyo
- Collaborative Exhibitions in Tokyo and Gifu
- Exhibition & Event "omusubi", Tokyo
2017
- Invited Artist, The 52nd Phoenix Exhibition, Osaka
- Live Performance at Shogakuji Temple, Shizuoka
- Opening Performance and Exhibition at Kimono EXPO 2017, Tokyo
- Solo Exhibition "CHIMA Calligraphy Exhibition – Sumiyo", Sogo Chiba
- Textile Design for Nakamura Co.'s "Kiori" Kimono Collection, exhibited at Takashimaya Department Stores
2018
- Tsushima Tenno Festival Collaboration Performance, Aichi
- Traditional Music Improvisation Project 2018, Tokyo
- Collaborative Exhibition with Seihogama Pottery, Nagasaki
- "Kiori" Pop-up Shop & Exhibition, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
- Solo Exhibition "Sumi Abstract Artist CHIMA", Daimaru Shinsaibashi, Osaka
2019
- Solo Exhibition "DARKNESS", NANJO HOUSE, Tokyo
- Live Performance at the 16th Nakaoyama Autumn Pottery Festival, Nagasaki
- IWASA Zori Fair & Exhibition, Isetan Shinjuku
- Live Performance "IWASA presents CHIMA", Namba SkyO, Osaka
2020
- Invited Artist, The 58th Phoenix Exhibition, Osaka
- Handmade Women Artists Exhibition, Shinjuku Takashimaya
2021
- Solo Exhibition "colors", NANJO HOUSE, Tokyo
- Next Generation Art Kyoto, Daimaru Kyoto
- Fine Art Exhibition, Daimaru Tokyo
- Summer Art Fair 2021, Daimaru Tokyo
- Women's Next Generation – Featured Women Artists Exhibition, Daimaru Shinsaibashi
2022
- Solo Exhibition "Reverb – Layered Emotions", GINZA SIX, Tokyo
- Solo Exhibition "Reverb – Sacred Light", Daimaru Shinsaibashi, Osaka
2023
- Two-Person Exhibition "Kensuke Takeoka & CHIMA – Glass, Ink Abstraction, and Space", Nagoya
- Solo Exhibition "Reverb – Deep Abyss", Daimaru Kobe
- Reception Art Exhibition "Chiyomi Tanaka & CHIMA", ASCOTT Marunouchi Tokyo
- Art Fair Tokyo 2023 (Artglorieux GALLERY OF TOKYO Booth), Tokyo International Forum
2024
- The 3rd Japan Traditional Culture Grand Prix Award Winners Exhibition & Sales Event, Tokyo
- Live Performance "BOKKA Ichigo", Banryuji Temple, Tokyo
- TAKUMI CRAFT CONNECTION – KYOTO by LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT