Yao Mikami - A Creative Force
Have you ever wondered about artists who truly bring something new to the table, someone who paints not just with colors but with light and feeling? This is about Yao Mikami, a Japanese artist whose creative work really seems to stand out, offering a fresh way to look at art and connection. She invites people to step into her gallery world, where her original pieces are waiting to spark a visual journey, a way of seeing things a little differently, perhaps.
Her art is a unique blend, mixing traditional ideas with modern ways of showing things. It's like she takes old stories and gives them a very new voice, using materials that are kind to our planet. So, you know, she's not just making pictures; she's crafting experiences that sort of pull you into a different kind of space, a place where imagination can really stretch out.
From live painting to liquid light, Yao Mikami's approach is quite something, really, always finding ways to collaborate with other forms of expression like dance and music. She's based in Byron Bay, Australia, but her roots are in Japan, and her art certainly reflects both places, offering a truly global perspective that is, in a way, very inviting.
Table of Contents
- Who is Yao Mikami? A Look at Her Creative Path
- What Makes Yao Mikami's Art So Special?
- How Does Yao Mikami Blend Tradition and Innovation?
- Where Can You Experience Yao Mikami's Vision?
Who is Yao Mikami? A Look at Her Creative Path
Many people might recognize the name Kitō Momona, who was born on August 16, 1993, and is perhaps better known professionally as Yua Mikami, a Japanese singer and YouTube personality. She was also, at one point, an actress in films for adults. Her early career saw her as a part of the idol group SKE48, which she joined back in 2009 before stepping away from that group in 2014. It's interesting how, as a matter of fact, paths can shift and change so much over time.
It was also in 2014 that Yao Mikami began performing as a live painting artist, which is a rather engaging way to create. She then added liquid light art to her set of skills in 2019, which is a pretty fascinating medium. In her role with Liquidelic, she helps to build the narrative for a performance set, putting together the moving art pieces in cooperation with dancers and musicians. She also performs on stage as a live visual artist, which is, you know, quite a dynamic role.
She is known as a liquid light artist, often connected with @liquidelic_art and @awuwa.inori, and she is also an art teacher. There was a time, too, when she felt a strong desire to share the good things in life, the beautiful parts, with someone close to her who might have been missing out on those kinds of experiences. That, in itself, speaks a lot about her spirit, doesn't it?
Yao Mikami, the visual artist, has also joined forces with vocalist Mico Sundari to give audiences a spiritual, multidimensional show. This combines captivating tunes with visual art that seems to disappear and reappear, made with liquid light. In a piece called ‘Liquid Memory,’ the very old sounds of Japan come to life in a calm, peaceful setting where sound and visuals become one, making time feel like it slows down, which is really quite a feeling.
She is, essentially, a painter who uses natural pigments, a liquid light artist, and someone who teaches art. Yao Mikami has also had her own solo exhibitions, where her imaginative work invites you into a world filled with myths, stories, and things that are usually unseen, all brought to life in visual form. She says she finds the story from her painting as she creates each picture, so, you know, every single image has its own tale to tell you.
Yao Mikami - Personal Details and Background
Yao Mikami was born in Gifu, Japan, and she is currently living in Byron Bay, Australia. She received her education at the Nagoya Zokei University of Art and Design, which is a pretty good place to learn about creative pursuits. As a Japanese artist based in Byron Bay, Australia, her work brings together old ways of doing art from both Western and Eastern traditions. There's a very strong focus, too, on things that are kind to the environment and using materials found in nature.
Currently, Yao focuses on using indigo pigment as a main material in her paintings, combining it with egg tempera. This creates a sort of feeling you can touch with the artwork, a real connection, which is quite interesting, actually. It's like she wants you to feel the piece, not just see it.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Kitō Momona |
| Professional Name | Yua Mikami (Japanese: Mikami Yua) |
| Birth Date | August 16, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Gifu, Japan |
| Current Residence | Byron Bay, Australia |
| Education | Nagoya Zokei University of Art and Design |
| Primary Art Mediums | Natural Pigments, Liquid Light, Indigo Pigment, Egg Tempera, Charcoal Pigment, Oil on Canvas |
| Artistic Roles | Visual Artist, Live Painting Artist, Liquid Light Artist, Art Teacher |
| Collaborative Units | LiquideliC, Awuwa (with Mico Sundari) |
What Makes Yao Mikami's Art So Special?
Yao Mikami’s art is special for a few reasons, really, but one of the main things is her use of liquid light. This isn't just about painting on a flat surface; it's about creating something that moves and changes, almost like a living thing. When she performs as a live visual artist, she's not just showing a finished piece; she's making it right there, in front of your eyes, which is quite a different experience from seeing a painting in a gallery, for instance.
Her work with Liquidelic is a pretty good example of this. She helps to create the entire story of a set, which means thinking about how the visuals will flow and change with the music and dance. So, it's not just about pretty pictures; it's about telling a story through light and movement, making it all work together, you know, in a very cohesive way. This kind of collaboration is, in some respects, what truly sets her apart.
The way she combines traditional art forms with these newer, more dynamic expressions is also quite unique. It's like she's taking the essence of something old and giving it a completely fresh look, a very contemporary feel. This means her art can appeal to a wide range of people, whether they are familiar with traditional Japanese art or are just looking for something new and exciting to experience, which is, in fact, quite appealing.
The Unique Artistic Expressions of Yao Mikami
The partnership between visual artist Yao Mikami and vocalist Mico Sundari, forming the contemporary Japanese performing arts unit Awuwa, is a very clear example of her unique artistic expressions. Together, they explore the very old songs of Japan, but they do it through meditative sound and visual art made with liquid light. This is a way of reconnecting with traditional Japanese spirituality, which is quite profound, actually.
In their piece called ‘Liquid Memory,’ you find a calm, peaceful setting where the ancient sounds of Japan really come to life. The sound and visuals become one, creating an atmosphere that makes time feel like it slows down, which is a truly immersive experience. It’s not just something you watch; it’s something you feel, something that wraps around you, you know, drawing you into a different state of mind.
Yao’s ability to compose these moving art pieces in collaboration with dance and music shows a very deep understanding of how different art forms can work together. It’s like she’s conducting a visual orchestra, where the light and colors respond to the rhythm and feeling of the performance. This requires a certain kind of sensitivity and skill, a real knack for bringing things together in a harmonious way, which is, in short, what she does so well.
Her live painting performances, too, are a display of her spontaneity and skill. She creates art in real-time, allowing the audience to witness the process of creation, which can be quite captivating. This immediate connection between the artist and the viewer, as the piece comes into being, is a very personal and engaging experience, making her art feel very alive and present, almost as if it's breathing.
How Does Yao Mikami Blend Tradition and Innovation?
Yao Mikami’s work shows a really interesting way of bringing together traditional Western and Eastern art practices with a very strong focus on things that are kind to the environment and using materials found in nature. This isn't just a stylistic choice; it's a deep commitment to how art can be made in a responsible way. She believes, you know, that art can be beautiful and also respectful of our world, which is a pretty powerful message.
Her current focus on using indigo pigment as a main material in her paintings is a good example of this. Indigo is a natural dye with a long history, and she combines it with egg tempera, which is an old painting method. This creates a feeling you can touch with the artwork, a real connection, which is quite unique. It’s like she’s inviting you to feel the history and the natural elements in her pieces, making them very tangible, in a way.
The idea that her work invites you to an imaginative world with myth, story, and things unseen in visual form, really highlights her blend of tradition and innovation. She takes old stories, perhaps from myths, and gives them a fresh visual interpretation using her unique style and materials. Each image, she says, has its own story to tell you, and she extracts that story from the painting as she creates each picture, which is, you know, a pretty insightful process.
This approach means her art is not just about aesthetics; it carries a deeper meaning, a narrative that unfolds as you look at it. It's like she's a storyteller using colors and light instead of words, creating a visual language that speaks to something ancient and also something very new, which is, basically, what makes her work so compelling.
Yao Mikami's Commitment to Sustainable Art Practices
Yao Mikami's commitment to using natural materials and focusing on sustainability is a really important part of her artistic identity. It shows a thoughtful approach to creation, where the impact on the world around us is considered just as much as the beauty of the artwork itself. This is, you know, a pretty inspiring way to work, especially today.
The Instagram post from May 1, 2025, where she talks about the warmth of washi paper, is a perfect illustration of this. She mentions that the piece uses handmade washi paper, which Sato-san @kami.tomo1 made by hand, carefully beating the fibers. She says it’s gentle and warm, and she hopes that by touching it, people will feel that warmth. This focus on the tactile experience and the handmade nature of her materials really speaks to her dedication, which is, in fact, quite profound.
This isn't just about being eco-friendly; it's about creating a deeper connection between the art, the viewer, and the natural world. When you know that the materials have been carefully chosen and prepared, it adds another layer of appreciation to the artwork. It makes you think about the journey of the materials, too, from their source to the finished piece, which is, in a way, a story in itself.
Her work with indigo pigment and egg tempera also shows this commitment. These are natural, traditional materials that have been used for centuries, and by choosing them, she’s not only creating beautiful art but also honoring old practices and minimizing her environmental footprint. It’s a very conscious choice, really, that reflects a broader philosophy about how we interact with our world, which is, quite honestly, something we can all learn from.
Where Can You Experience Yao Mikami's Vision?
If you're curious to experience Yao Mikami's creative vision, there are several ways to do so. One very accessible way is to explore her online art store. It’s a place where you can find captivating paintings that are meant to invite you to really get into your imagination. From bright, lively scenes of nature to mythical places, you can find something that might just bring a touch of inspiration to your own space, which is, you know, pretty cool.
A specific example of her work available there is the painting of the black dragon. This piece is meant to represent fearlessness and inner strength, and it's a captivating painting that encourages you to get past your fears and really embrace your own power. It's made with charcoal pigment and oil on canvas, and the artwork's very strong look can give you a sense of courage and determination. Adding this unique piece to your space could certainly bring a feeling of empowerment, which is, in some respects, what many people look for in art.
Beyond her online store, Yao Mikami’s work can also be experienced through live performances and exhibitions. Her commitment to diversity is seen as a shining example of how technology can be a force for good, which is a pretty significant idea. Lessons can be learned from her journey for anyone involved in the world of technology, whether you're a developer, someone starting a business, or just someone who enjoys tech. There’s something to learn from her story, actually, for just about anyone.
Her art is not just for viewing; it's often part of a larger experience, as seen with Awuwa's performances, which are a journey into ancient sound and light. This unit, featuring vocalist Mico Sundari and visual artist Yao Mikami, truly explores the ancient songs of Japan through meditative sound and liquid light visual art, helping people reconnect with traditional Japanese spirituality. It's a very immersive experience, really, that goes beyond just looking at a picture.
Connecting with Yao Mikami's Online Presence and Exhibitions
To connect with Yao Mikami's art or to inquire about her various offerings, you can easily reach out. If you have any questions about joining an art class, commissioning a piece, having mural work done, or buying an original artwork or a canvas print, you can contact her at any time. This direct line of communication makes it very easy to engage with her work, which is, you know, a very thoughtful approach.
Her art is also shown in physical spaces. For example, Yao Visions is exhibiting at the Fairy Floss Visionary Art Gallery on Jonson Street. This gives people a chance to see her work up close and personal, to experience the textures and colors in a way that might be different from seeing them online. It’s a real opportunity to connect with the art in a physical setting, which is, of course, quite important for many art lovers.
Her social media presence, like her Instagram account, also offers glimpses into her creative process and new works. For instance, a post from May 1, 2025, shows her passion for handmade materials, specifically washi paper. She wants people to feel the warmth of the washi paper in their hands, mentioning that the piece uses handmade paper created by Sato-san, who carefully beat the fibers. She hopes that the gentle and warm feeling of the paper will come across when people touch it, which is why it was displayed flat. This kind of sharing gives a very personal insight into her work, which is, in short, very engaging.
So, whether you're looking to purchase a piece, learn from her as an art teacher, or simply experience her unique blend of visual and performance art, Yao Mikami offers many avenues for connection. Her dedication to sharing her original artworks and inspiring others to embark on a visual journey is very clear, making her a compelling artist to follow, which is, you know, pretty exciting for anyone interested in art.
Yao Mikami – Gallery Cosmosis
Yua Mikami : Mikami_Yua
Yua Mikami : Mikami_Yua
