Emi Motokawa's creations are inspired by spiritualism. She likes to take universal Buddhist concepts and interpret it through her modern, figurative style. Many of the characters she paints have big eyes because the eyes are the window to the soul. Through her creations, she hopes will tickle your soul.
Emi was born in Tokyo, Japan and moved to Los Angeles at the age of seven. In 1995, she attended a Buddhist seminary in Tokyo and it was then when she first desired to translate Buddhist ideas into images. She has also crocheted several 3 foot Kokeshi dolls that were featured at the Japanese American National Museum. Emi's work is on Metro's "Through the Eyes of the Artist," poster series for the City of Monterey Park. may be seen inside Metro rail and buses running throughout Los Angeles County.
Brooklyn & Boyle
Japanese American Museum
LAist
Project NewSpeak
PRESS
About
SELECTED EXHIBITS
2019 39th Black Doll Show, William Grant Still Art Center
2017 Semiotic Sutras, Kaleidoscope Kollective
2017 Celestial Mosaic, solo show, Avenue 50 Studio
2016 Buddha Nature, Art of Emi Motokawa solo show,
Hsi Lai Temple Fo Guang Yuan Gallery
2016 Metro: Through the Eyes of the Artist
2013 Laluzapalooza Jury Winner Show,
La Luz de Jesus Gallery
2011 Five Elements/One World, L.A. Municipal Art Gallery
2009 Kokeshi: From Folk Art to Art Toy Show,
Japanese American National Museum
Emi Motokawa
AKA Emi M.