Kyoko Idetsu

Kyoko Idetsu is a contemporary Japanese painter whose work transforms everyday observations into vivid, emotionally charged narratives. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Idetsu’s practice is deeply rooted in the minutiae of daily life, capturing fleeting moments and personal anecdotes with a distinctive style that blends elements of manga, film, and expressionism. Her paintings often feature simplified, hyper-expressive figures set against vibrant, non-chronological compositions, reflecting a spontaneous and intuitive approach to storytelling. Idetsu’s art explores themes of domesticity, societal norms, and human connection, offering a subtle critique of Japan’s collectivist culture through a lens of personal experience. 

Her work has gained international recognition for its unique synthesis of art historical influences and contemporary sensibilities. Idetsu’s paintings have been exhibited in solo and group shows across Tokyo, Los Angeles, New York, and Paris, earning praise for their emotional depth and visual innovation. Notable exhibitions include her solo show What can an Ideology do for me? at Nonaka-Hill in Los Angeles (2024) and I want to wear a warm sweater at Bridget Donahue in New York (2023). Idetsu continues to live and work in Tokyo, where she draws inspiration from her surroundings and personal interactions.

Born in 1986, Tokyo, Japan

Lives and works in Tokyo.

2009 Tama Art University, Tokyo, Japan

Selected Solo Exhibitions
2024 Nonaka-Hill, Los Angeles, CA

2023 Galerie Crèvecoeur, Paris, France

2022 I want to wear a warm sweater., Bridget Donahue, New York, NY

2020 He had no choice but to do so., Brulee (Shunsuke Imai Studio), Tokyo

2019 Emotion, ArtCenterOngoing, Tokyo

2017 Draw me a beautiful picture to hang in my house., LUCKY HAPPY STUDIO, Tokyo

          Milky Way, ArtCenterOngoing, Tokyo

2012 The Landscape I Saw the Other Day, ArtCenterOngoing,Tokyo

Selected Group Exhibitions

2023 Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, Omaha, NE

           The Postmodern Child, Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, Korea

2021 Kyoko Idetsu and Leo Okubo, Lavender Open Chair, Tokyo Natsuyasumi, Nonaka-Hill, Los Angeles

2016 Fictions of Everyday Life, Akibatamabi 21, Tokyo

2015 TERATOTERA Festival 2015, (open production), Tokyo

2012 The best view from here, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo Eriko Aoki, Kyoko Idetsu Exhibition, Turner Gallery, Tokyo

2011 Ladies & Gentlemen Gentlemen, Koganei Art Spot Chateau 2nd floor, Tokyo

2010 Kyoko Idetsu, Maiko Jinushi Exhibition, ArtCenterOngoing, Tokyo