Kentaro Kobuke was born in Hiroshima in 1975 and has been based in London, UK for 15 years since 2006.
He draws people, landscapes, and plants using multiple layers of colored pencils on a cherry wood board, creating a unique sense of transparency and suppleness. The multiple layers of the person's eyes even capture the sway of time, allowing the viewer to freely imagine a story.
The exhibition "With London" is currently being held at Hankyu Umeda 9F Art Stage. is currently being held at Hankyu Umeda 9F Art Stage. (until March 1, 2021)
In addition to the exhibition, Kentaro Kobuke and his friends have opened a "Thank You Department Store" where you can find products such as a dress printed with his drawings, chocolates for vegans made with his wrapping paper, fans made by remaking origami cranes sent to Hiroshima, and road bikes in original colors, all made in consultation with his friends in his hometown Hiroshima, Onomichi, London and Ireland. There are also original color road bikes.
The Lovely Escape
2021
coloured pencils on board
size:55cm x 44cm
Kentaro Kobuke
Born in Hiroshima, Japan, Kentaro Kobuke graduated from the Kuwasawa Design School in 1998, and completed his master's degree at Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London in 2009. Works in London.
With a unique method of drawing directly with colored pencils on natural wood boards, he creates fantastic paintings that evoke images from myths and fairy tales. He has also worked on commissions for the JR Genbi Shinkansen and other projects. Recent major exhibitions include the solo exhibition "The Other Side Of Hope" at Maho Kubota Gallery (2020) and "17th DOMANI Tomorrow" at the National Art Center, Tokyo (2015).
Beni Madonna with RST
2021
coloured pencils on board
size:15cm x 10cm
Colenimowoman 2
2021
coloured pencils on board
size:15cm x 10cm
Is Flying
2021
coloured pencils on board
size:55cm x 44cm
The Him
2020
coloured pencils on board
size:15cm x 10cm
Waiting For The Sun
2021
coloured pencils on board
size:15cm x 10cm
Sasanqua
2020
coloured pencils on board
size:15cm x 10cm
Melloyellow
2020
coloured pencils on board
size:15cm x 10cm
All We Are
2021
coloured pencils on board
size:15cm x 10cm
I met Mr. Kobuke for the first time in 20 years. He remembered me and said, "It's been a long time, Mr. Taniguchi. He's still the same nice guy. It's good to see that he and his buddy Ozaki, a graphic designer, are still working together. Of course, his work is wonderful, and I can see how he interacts with his friends who collaborate with him at the "Thank You Department Store".
Looking back, his first solo exhibition was in 1999. It was at Tank Gallery in America-mura. It's nice of him to respond to Mr. Furuya's request to work together for the first time in 20 years. The event runs until March 1. I'll be DJing on the 27th to get the crowd going. Enjoy! (Yoshihiro Taniguchi)
Kentaro Kobuke "London and.”
Kentaro Kobuke and friends "Thank You Department”
February 23, 2021 (Tue) - March 1, 2021 (Mon)
10:00 - 20:00 (18:00 on the last day)
Place: Hankyu Umeda Main Store 9F Art Stage Admission free
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