Three of the most dynamic artists today—Kohei Kyomori, Aruta Soup, and Yu Kawashima—were commissioned by Whitestone Gallery to create artworks representing this year’s zodiac animal for 2025. Starting the new year, each artist has brought their unique creativity to life. They will also share the stories behind their works and the sources of their inspiration.

Kohei Kyomori: Peonies are Appropriate for the New Year

At artist’s studio

Kyomori stated, “The motifs that I always paint are mostly peonies which I’ve combined in this composition.” The peony, one of Kyomori's signature motifs, is elegantly paired with a vividly colored snake, creating a striking contrast of hues. The finely detailed scales, painted with great precision, exemplify Kyomori's distinctive style.

Kohei Kyomori in the Making

The peony is a symbol of nobility and has long been a traditional motif in East Asia. “I thought it would be very appropriate for the New Year, and painted this combination.”

Aruta Soup: Overcoming the Fear of Snakes

At artist’s studio

“I can only speak from my memories,” said Aruta Soup. During his childhood, Aruta encountered a snake that chased him on his way home from elementary school. “Since then, I’ve been afraid of them,” said Aruta. The turning point came last year when he visited Taiwan and managed to overcome his fear of snakes. With a mischievous grin, he smiled and said, “I love snakes now.”

Aruta Soup in the Making

A piece of art was born that perfectly expresses this newfound confidence and morbid humor. One of his signature motifs, a rabbit, is shown biting a snake. Although the snake expresses its pain with an “ouch!”, its upturned mouth suggests a light heartedness, giving the painting a humorous touch.

Yu Kawashima: The Beauty Within the Venom

At artist’s studio

“The first thing that came to mind was a white snake,” said Kawashima. However, he admits that he’s  not particularly fond of snakes. Using this discomfort to his advantage, he expressed the snake’s venomous nature as a form of strength.

Yu Kawashima explaining his Artwork

Kawashima explained, “Their strength and venom reveals their beauty in some ways which I hope others can see. I portrayed them in a more elegant manner.” The snake, born from intricate and precise lines, appears realistic, while the use of gold leaf adds a divine touch to the artwork.

Have you enjoyed the beautiful artworks that mark the beginning of 2025? For those who want to see the original video behind the paintings, watch the full video on Instagram Reels.

You can find more details about the artists introduced in this feature through the links below:

Kohei Kyomori
Aruta Soup
Yu Kawashima