Madoka Naito was raised on the tropical island of Okinawa surrounded by the ocean, waves, and banyan trees. She explores humans' innate creativity and uniqueness as nature, while celebrating life as a whole universe. Through her experience of living in different places such as Nepal, Alaska, and Canada, she came to know that right or wrong does not exist but it’s difference that exists, and that truth can only be found within oneself.
As she creates her work, she often uses whatever she finds around her, while absorbing both her visible and invisible surroundings, be they twigs, animals, leaves, or the permeating energy of the natural space. Her art conveys the idea that the ephemera valued by human society ceases to exist in the natural world.
Her works embrace the organic flow of life, chaos and harmony, while reflecting a fundamental truth she acquired during her travels: as beings of nature, all humans are fundamentally the same, yet each of us is entirely unique.
Statement
When I look at trees, I see a whole different world operating in a completely different dimension from humans’ world. Growth rings on trees look like the ripples that raindrops make on a puddle, and branches look like veins that run through our body. These resemblances remind me that we are a small part of the interwoven system that exists in a dimension distant from human society. Humans are nature and are part of the flowing world. Everything in this world is genuinely original and creative, and the truth can only be found within oneself. When all beings stay true to their authentic selves, the whole world shines and everything circulates in harmony.
Exhibition
2023 Light of Life, solo exhibition, Chabitan Art Space, Okinawa, Japan
2023 Assonanze, collective exhibition, Galleria De Marchi, Bologna, Italy
2023 Shapes of Nature, collective exhibition, Galleria Spazio Opera, Matera, Italy
2022 Shine Between the Waves, solo exhibition, KuruKuru, Beppu, Oita, Japan
2022 True Abundance and Dialogue, solo exhibition, NYC (Central Park, High Line, etc.), USA
2022 Love in Multiple Forms, collective exhibition, Agora Gallery, Chelsea, NY, USA
2022 Little Treasures, collective exhibition, Galleria De Marchi, Bologna, Italy
2022 Wind is Blowing, solo exhibition, Takachiho Marleya, Miyazaki, Japan
2022 Wind is Blowing, solo exhibition, Gallery echo-ann, Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
2021 True Abundance and Dialogue, solo exhibition, online
2021 True Abundance and Dialogue solo exhibition,Tokyo International Art Fair 2021, Belle Salle, Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
2021 echo-ann Summer Festa 2021, collective exhibition, Gallery echo-ann, Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
2021 Borderless - Art Goes Beyond Borders, collective exhibition, Hiltopia Artsquare, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
2020 Time, collaboration of art and chocolate, solo exhibition, Oak Cube, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
2020 Circle, solo exhibition, Rigna Terrace Tokyo, Chuo, Tokyo, Japan
2020 Voice, two person exhibition, Nagatacho GRiD, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
2020 Art Melting Pot Exhibition, collective exhibition, ego-Art and Entertainment Gallery, Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan
2020 Stories, collective exhibition, Gallery Iro, Kichijoji, Tokyo, Japan
2014 BFA Graduate Show, collective exhibition, Owens Art Gallery, Sackville, NB, Canada
2014 WUSC, Shine a Light Art Auction, donation for fundraising, Struts Gallery, Sackville, NB, Canada
2013 (DIS) COMFORT, collective exhibition, 19 Bridge St., Sackville, NB, Canada
Education
2014 Mount Allison University Bachelor of Fine Arts, NB, Canada
Residency
2022-2023 ELSI (Earth-Life Science Institute) Science-Art Collaborative Project, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
2022 Wakasa Bay, Fukui, Japan
2021 Château d'Orquevaux, Champagne-Ardenne France
Workshop
2023 Time and Your Own Universe, ELSI (Earth-Life Science Institute), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
2022 Creation and expression with the children of Wakasa Bay, Fukui, Japan
2019 Freedom of Perception and Representation, AmerAsian School In Okinawa, Ginowan, Okinawa, Japan
Commission
2022 Private commission, mixed media on canvas, Beppu, Oita, Japan
2021 Yu Ikemi EP jacket design, mixed media on canvas, Miyazaki, Japan
2021 NPO GAJYUMARU logo design, Okinawa, Japan
2014 Private commission, oil on canvas, 279x356mm, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
Award
2023 Harmony for Humanity: The Global Consciousness Art Prize, Contemporary Art Collectors
