Born in Saitama, Miki Katoh graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design. Initially working as an illustrator, she began pursuing painting with her first solo exhibition produced by Hisashi Tenmyouya in 2012. In contrast to the traditional kimono design, the women in Katoh’s portraits wear modern and innovative kimonos inspired by the “vintage kimonos” of the Taisho and early Showa era. Her styling is glamorous and liberated, expressing not only visual pleasure but also the attitude and the spirit of independent women. It goes without saying that kimono designs reflect the trends and tastes of each period. However, the landscapes and cityscapes depicted in the background of her works subtly incorporate historical buildings, allowing the viewer to imagine the changes through time alongside the figure portrayed. Furthermore, Katoh’s works, rooted in the epic traditions of Japanese culture, are deeply connected to numerous myths, fables, animisms, and to the cycle of life and reincarnation. Her unique space-time setting focuses on the exploration of “nature and the cycle of life”, not only cleverly blending the flow of time and the coexistence of old and new, but also the idea of “boundaries”, of the ordinary and the extraordinary, as well as reality and other worlds. This forms a profound viewpoint that is in contrast with her seemingly clear and concrete brushwork.

Currently, in addition to holding solo and group exhibitions both domestically and internationally, Katoh is showcasing her excellent aesthetics as a designer by creating new kimonos in collaboration with long-established kimono manufacturers.