Currently on view at Whitestone Gallery Karuizawa is AIO’s solo exhibition “Fu”. AIO is the artistic name under which singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka creates visual works as an artist.

To commemorate the exhibition, a conversation was held between AIO and Koei Shiraishi, CEO of Whitestone Gallery. From oil painting to calligraphy and mixed media, this dialogue offers a glimpse into the multifaceted world of AIO’s creative expression.

Drifting on Water, I Bloom

AIO ”I” 2025, 90.8 × 116.7 cm, Oil on canvas

AIO’s artistic practice represents a new attempt to explore her inner world through a medium distinct from music. Having touched countless hearts as a singer-songwriter, she now seeks to reconstruct the meaning of love and sensibility through the act of painting. What remains constant is her ability to capture and elevate a fleeting moment into a tangible work of art.

One of the most symbolic oil paintings in the exhibition is Watashi, the key visual of the show. Depicting a Hamagiku flower as a self-portrait, the work stems from a moment when she experienced emotional collapse during an album promotion. Reflecting on that time, AIO says, “The place where the flower fell was on the water of art.” Entrusting herself to the current of contemporary art, she continues to search for her place within it. The Hamagiku flower signifies “facing adversity,” a message that resonates with her present state as she steps into a new creative field beyond the music industry.

The Shape of Love Held in a Single Moment

Whitestone Gallery Karuizawa

Speaking about her calligraphy, AIO describes its appeal as “the intense focus like a firework in a single moment, and the joy that comes from pouring everything into that instant.” She embraces not only what is intended, but also the unpredictable elements.The way the ink dries or spreads, how the colors change with temperature and humidity—saying that she writes with a sensation as if “the brush is dancing.”

When asked by Shiraishi why she chose the character “愛” (love) for one of her calligraphy works, it became clear just how deeply personal the word is for her. Given to her as part of her name, confronting the character again through the act of writing became an opportunity to reflect on her own identity and meaning.

Regarding her oil paintings and mixed media works featuring flowers, she shared that she “didn’t want to depict love sweetly.” For AIO, love is not always gentle or tender. It can feel like salt to a wound. Her works reflect this complexity. By using flowers, which are destined to wither quickly, she captures the duality of their nature: the fleeting joy they bring and the sadness that follows when held in one’s hands. In this way, the simultaneous presence of both positive and negative emotions is conveyed through the very essence of the flower.

The Flexibility and Playfulness Encapsulated in Fu

AIO and Shiraishi During the Talk Event

Even the choice of the hiragana character “fu”, which serves as the title of this exhibition, reflects AIO’s distinct sensibility. Although this is her second solo exhibition, she intentionally avoided using the number “2” or the word “Two”, instead choosing “fu” from a traditional Japanese way of counting: “hi, fu, mi” (one-two-three).

Beyond its numerical role, AIO explains that the character “fu” evokes a sense of femininity, gentleness, and graceful flexibility. At the same time, with a mischievous smile, she adds that it also hints at “a little snide chuckle— fu”, suggesting a playful side. Her idea of femininity, as she expresses it, carries not only softness but also a layered complexity.

Whitestone Gallery Karuizawa

At one point, AIO warmly engaged with questions from the audience. When asked why there are three separate works titled after her signature song Sakuranbo (“Cherry”), she explained that just as the song has been released in various versions over time, she wanted to reflect its many facets through multiple artworks. While the song is widely known for its bright and cheerful tone, AIO noted that it also contains elements of sensuality within its lyrics. It’s an aspect she aimed to capture through her visual interpretation.

She responded to all other questions with clarity and a touch of humor, creating a relaxed and open atmosphere. The conversation ended on a high note, leaving a sense of lingering warmth and connection.

AIO Responding to the Audience

AIO’s journey as a visual artist has only just begun, but her works are already filled with fleeting moments that resonate with others and reveal the many facets of her unique presence.

AIO’s solo exhibition “Fu” is currently on view at Whitestone Gallery Karuizawa. Her works are also available to explore online.

AIO ART: “Fu”