Naoki Kawano

Tokyo, 1988

Naoki Kawano (Tokyo, 1984) is a painter, designer, and photographer based in Paris. Trained in London, his work explores textures, sensitive materials, and minimalist and abstract references. Inspired by artists like Yves Klein, he creates pieces that fuse visual poetry, geometry, and tactile emotion.

Naoki Kawano, a painter, designer, and photographer, studied Art & Design at Blake College in London, where he began to shape his artistic voice. After working as a graphic designer, he turned to analog materials in search of greater creative freedom. Fascinated by delicate, sensitive materials, Kawano uses texture to evoke emotion and shift perception—developing a unique visual language through matter itself. He keeps a notebook where he jots down ideas—be it a shape, a material, or a line from a poem—which often become the seeds of his works. With his brushstrokes, he translates these concepts into minimalist, abstract, and geometric art. Kawano doesn’t paint to escape but to bring different realities together. As he says: “Art is something I cannot switch off. My mind is subconsciously looking for inspiration all the time.” Balancing his roles as photographer and designer, his works carry the same nuance and coherence. He finds inspiration everywhere—from serene nature to buzzing cities—and feels admiration for countless objects. One of his greatest artistic influences is Yves Klein, a key figure of Dadaism. Kawano has exhibited globally and is currently based in Paris.