EMI OTAGURO

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Emi Otaguro was born in 1980 in Fukuoka, Japan, and currently lives and works in Aichi. She received her B.F.A. in Painting from Tokyo Zokei University and her M.F.A. in oil painting from the Tokyo National University of Art and Music. Otaguro received a Japanese Government Oversea Research Program Grant from the Agency for Cultural Affairs and lived and worked in Berlin, Germany, from March 2019.

Emi has presented her work in: "Elsewhen, Elsewhere" at Art Intelligence Global, Hong Kong, 2025; "New Space Preview" at KAYOKOYUKI, Tokyo, 2025; "Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 21" at Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo, 2024; solo show "Boiled Aqua" at Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, TAD Gallery, Toyama, 2024; "BankART Life7 UrbanNesting" at BankART Station, Kanagawa, 2024; "BankART Life7 UrbanNesting" at BankART Station, Kanagawa, 2024; "Condo London 2024" at Sadie Coles HQ, London, 2024; "Cat's Narrow Road" at Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi, 2023; "NEW ORDER" at ECHO, Cologne, 2023; solo show "the reverie" at KAYOKOYUKI, Tokyo, 2022; "DOMANI: The Art of Tomorrow 2021" at The National Art Center, Tokyo, 2021; solo show "MESA" at Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin, 2021; "project N 55" at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, 2014. She has also received the winner of the Allotment Travel Award 2016 and the grand prize for the Art Award Tokyo Marunouchi 2008. Emi’s works have been collected by Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Aichi and Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo.

• the reverie / November 2 - December 4, 2022
• Science Window / May 11 - June 17, 2018
• spot / October 28 - November 26, 2017
• channel / April 23 - June 5, 2016
• Water pillow of will-o'-the-wisp / June 13 - August 10, 2013

あゆの風 / zephyr　2025, acrylic, cotton, cotton thread, hide glue, quail eggs, stocking, sheepskin, cowhide, 25.5 x 33 x 4.5 cm

春眠 / a spring nap　2025, acrylic, oil paint, cotton, hide glue, quail eggs, sequin, wrapping paper, abalone shell, printing paper 24 x 34 x 5 cm

秋霖 / autumn drizzle　2025, acrylic, cotton, cotton thread, hide glue, sheepskin, 34 x 24 x 3.5 cm

alley　2025, acrylic, hide glue, cotton, cotton thread, sheepskin, cowhide, flannel cloth, 26.5 x 35 x 4 cm

月白 / pale moonlight　2025, oil on canvas, gouache, cotton, hide glue, 60.6 x 72.7 cm

Exhibition view, New Space Preview, 2025, KAYOKOYUKI, Tokyo / Japan
Photo by KEI OKANO

Exhibition view, Boiled Aqua, 2024, 富山県美術館 TAD ギャラリー / Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, TAD Gallery, Toyama / Japan
Photo by 柳原良平 / Ryohei Yanagihara

Exhibition view, Boiled Aqua, 2024, 富山県美術館 TAD ギャラリー / Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, TAD Gallery, Toyama / Japan
Photo by 柳原良平 / Ryohei Yanagihara

Exhibition view, Boiled Aqua, 2024, 富山県美術館 TAD ギャラリー / Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, TAD Gallery, Toyama / Japan
Photo by 柳原良平 / Ryohei Yanagihara

Exhibition view, Boiled Aqua, 2024, 富山県美術館 TAD ギャラリー / Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, TAD Gallery, Toyama / Japan
Photo by 柳原良平 / Ryohei Yanagihara

Exhibition view, Boiled Aqua, 2024, 富山県美術館 TAD ギャラリー / Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, TAD Gallery, Toyama / Japan
Photo by 柳原良平 / Ryohei Yanagihara

Exhibition view, Boiled Aqua, 2024, 富山県美術館 TAD ギャラリー / Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, TAD Gallery, Toyama / Japan
Photo by 柳原良平 / Ryohei Yanagihara

Exhibition view, Boiled Aqua, 2024, 富山県美術館 TAD ギャラリー / Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, TAD Gallery, Toyama / Japan
Photo by 柳原良平 / Ryohei Yanagihara

Exhibition view, 現在地のまなざし -日本の新進作家 vol.21 / The Gaze of the Present -Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 21, 2024, 東京都写真美術館 / Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo / Japan

Exhibition view, 現在地のまなざし -日本の新進作家 vol.21 / The Gaze of the Present -Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 21, 2024, 東京都写真美術館 / Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo / Japan

Exhibition view, 現在地のまなざし -日本の新進作家 vol.21 / The Gaze of the Present -Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 21, 2024, 東京都写真美術館 / Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo / Japan

Exhibition view, 現在地のまなざし -日本の新進作家 vol.21 / The Gaze of the Present -Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 21, 2024, 東京都写真美術館 / Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo / Japan

Exhibition view, 現在地のまなざし -日本の新進作家 vol.21 / The Gaze of the Present -Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 21, 2024, 東京都写真美術館 / Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo / Japan

Exhibition view, 現在地のまなざし -日本の新進作家 vol.21 / The Gaze of the Present -Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 21, 2024, 東京都写真美術館 / Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo / Japan

Exhibition view, 現在地のまなざし -日本の新進作家 vol.21 / The Gaze of the Present -Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 21, 2024, 東京都写真美術館 / Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo / Japan

Exhibition view, 現在地のまなざし -日本の新進作家 vol.21 / The Gaze of the Present -Contemporary Japanese Photography vol. 21, 2024, 東京都写真美術館 / Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Tokyo / Japan

the garden after evening shower　2024, gouache, oil on canvas, 32 x 41.4 cm

deciduous tree　2024, gouache, oil on canvas, 32 x 41.4 cm

two cats　2024, gouache, oil on canvas, 41 x 31.8 cm

cat hunting the moon　2024, gouache, oil on canvas, 33.5 x 42.2 cm

kitten　2024, gouache, oil on canvas, 32 x 41.4 cm

2匹の猫 / two cats　2024, gouache, oil on canvas, 60.6 x 72.7 cm

髪を結びながら / While tying my hair　2024, gouache, oil on canvas, 72.7 x 60.6 cm

Exhibition view, Condo London 2024, 2024, Sadie Coles HQ, London / The United Kingdom
Photo by Katie Morrison

Exhibition view, Condo London 2024, 2024, Sadie Coles HQ, London / The United Kingdom
Photo by Katie Morrison

sun bath　2023, inkjet print, semi-gloss photo paper, frame, chewing gum on the cat, 48.4 x 32.3 cm (sheet size) / 50.1 x 34.2 cm (frame size)

sun bath　2023, inkjet print, semi-gloss photo paper, frame, chewing gum on the cat, 48.4 x 36.4 cm (sheet size) / 50.1 x 38.1 cm (frame size)

sun bath　2023, inkjet print, semi-gloss photo paper, frame, chewing gum on the cat, 48.4 x 36.4 cm (sheet size) / 50.1 x 38.1 cm (frame size)

萌 / moe　2023, wax paper, quail egg shell, cloth, gouache, frame, 38.5 x 35.5 x 4.2cm

moist forest　2023, quail egg , waxed paper, cloth, gouache, inkjet print, clear file folder, 33.8 x 28.8 x 5.4 cm

ダルメシアンの祖先達 / ancestors of the Dalmatian　2023, quail egg , waxed paper, cloth, gouache, 29.6 x 26.4 x 5.4 cm

水浴する3足 / bathing three pairs of legs　2023, quail egg , waxed paper, cloth, Gouache, 32.9 x 32.9 x 5.4 cm

suncatcher　2023, gouache on pocket tissue, 8 x 13 x 1 cm

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

Exhibition view, ねこのほそ道 / Cat's Narrow Road, 2023, 豊田市美術館 / Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi / Japan
Photo by ToLoLo Studio

springlet　2023, quail eggshell, inkjet prints, hologram sheets, bird feathers, wax paper, 20.5 x 20.5 cm (work size) / 32.9 x 32.9 x 4.7 cm (frame size)

cup of Noah　2023, quail eggshell, inkjet prints, tracing paper, wax paper, 15.3 x 11 cm (work size) / 27.7 x 23.4 x 4.7 cm (frame size)

a fox cried　2023, quail eggshell, hologram film, tracing paper, inkjet prints, cloth, 16 x 21.3 cm (work size) / 28.4 x 33.7 x 4.7 cm (frame size)

Exhibition view, the reverie, 2022, KAYOKOYUKI, Tokyo / Japan
Photo by KEI OKANO

Exhibition view, the reverie, 2022, KAYOKOYUKI, Tokyo / Japan
Photo by KEI OKANO

自分の影を探すたかとその影で休む鶏 / A hawk searching for his shadow and a chicken resting in his　2022, oil and gouache on wood, 18.5 x 18.5 x 1.8 cm

Reading　2022, oil and gouache on wood, 40.8 x 51 x 1 cm

カブトガニ / horseshoe crabs　2022, oil and gouache on wood, 30.2 x 24.2 x 1.6 cm
止まり木 / Wood perch　2022, oil and gouache on wood, 28 x 28.3 x 0.3 cm
Exhibition view, the reverie, 2022, KAYOKOYUKI, Tokyo / Japan
Photo by KEI OKANO

cross　2022, gouache on wood, 40.3 x 56.3 x 0.9 cm

Cold water　2022, oil and gouache on wood, 28 x 28.3 x 0.3 cm

An encounter　2022, oil and gouache on wood, 30 x 45 x 2 cm

Untitled　2022, gouache on paper, 21 x 29.7 cm

Untitled　2022, gouache on paper, 21 x 29.7 cm

Exhibition view, the reverie, 2022, KAYOKOYUKI, Tokyo / Japan
Photo by KEI OKANO

suncatcher　2023, gouache on pocket tissue, 8 x 13 x 1 cm

suncatcher　2023, gouache on pocket tissue, 8 x 13 x 1 cm

suncatcher　2023, gouache on pocket tissue, 8 x 13 x 1 cm

suncatcher　2023, gouache on pocket tissue, 8 x 13 x 1 cm

Exhibition view, the reverie, 2022, KAYOKOYUKI, Tokyo / Japan
Photo by KEI OKANO

Faust　2020, branch selected by dog, 20 cm

Max　2020, branch selected by dog, 64 cm

(From left) sun bath　2020, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 304 x 403.2 cm; Composition(each), sun bath　2019-20, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 201.6 x 152 cm; sun bath　2020, ceramic clay, 6 x 34 x 20 cm; sun bath　2020, ceramic clay, 9 x 23 x 13 cm; sun bath　2020, ceramic clay, 20.5 x 35.5 x 18 cm; sun bath　2020, ceramic clay, 7.5 x 30.5 x 14.5 cm
Exhibition view, “DOMANI: The Art of Tomorrow” Exhibition 2021, 2021, The National Art Center, Tokyo / Japan

Composition(each), sun bath　2019-20, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 201.6 x 152 cm
Exhibition view, “DOMANI: The Art of Tomorrow” Exhibition 2021, 2021, The National Art Center, Tokyo / Japan

(From left), the waiting dogs　2020, single channel video, 17 min. 11 sec. & napkins　2020, paper napkin, marker, 33 x 33 cm
Exhibition view, “DOMANI: The Art of Tomorrow” Exhibition 2021, 2021, The National Art Center, Tokyo / Japan

napkins　2020, paper napkin, marker, 33 x 33 cm

napkins　2020, paper napkin, marker, 33 x 33 cm

the waiting dogs　2020, single channel video, 17 min. 11 sec.

sun bath　2020, Chewing gum, cardboard, frame, 47.4 x 60 cm

humid visibility　2019-20, collage, quail egg , waxed paper, inkjet print, cloth, colored paper, 31.8 x 25 cm

sun bath　2020, ceramic clay, 7.5 x 30.5 x 14.5 cm

(From left), sun bath　2020, ceramic clay, 9 x 23 x 13 cm & sun bath　2020, ceramic clay, 20.5 x 35.5 x 18 cm
Exhibition view, “DOMANI: The Art of Tomorrow” Exhibition 2021, 2021, The National Art Center, Tokyo / Japan

sun bath 2019, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 21 x 28cm
Chewing gum on the cat

sun bath 2019, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 201.6 x 152cm
Chewing gum on the cat

sun bath 2019, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 201.6 x 152cm
Chewing gum on the cat

sun bath 2019, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 201.6 x 152cm
Chewing gum on the cat

sun bath 2019, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 201.6 x 152cm
Chewing gum on the cat

sun bath 2019, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 201.6 x 152cm
Chewing gum on the cat

sun bath 2019, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 48 x 36cm
Chewing gum on the cat

sun bath 2019, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 21 x 28cm
Chewing gum on the cat

sun bath 2019, Inkjet print, semigloss photo paper, 21 x 28cm
Chewing gum on the cat

sun bath 2019, inkjet print, 201.6 x 152cm

sun bath 2020, ceramic clay, 25 × 80 × 20cm

sun bath 2020, ceramic clay, 50 × 70 × 20cm

sun bath 2020, ceramic clay, 40 × 75 × 25cm

sun bath 2020, ceramic clay, 78 × 78 × 28cm

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

sun bath 2020, chewing gum, cardboard frame, 39.5 x 50cm

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Faust 2020, branch selected by dog, 20cm

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

napkins 2019, marker on paper napkins, 33 × 33cm

napkins 2019, marker on paper napkins, 33 × 33cm

napkins 2019, marker on paper napkins, 33 × 33cm

napkins 2019, marker on paper napkins, 33 × 33cm

napkins 2019, marker on paper napkins, 33 × 33cm

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Mesa 2020 Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Studio view 2019, 2020, Kunstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Studio view 2019, 2020, Kunstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Studio view 2019, 2020, Kunstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Studio view 2019, 2020, Kunstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin

Fruit not to be able to swallow
2015, collage, quail egg, chicken egg, waxed paper, hologram seat, folding paper, picture, 13 × 18 cm

Pocket of the fool
2015, collage, quail egg, chicken egg, waxed paper, picture, socks, 15.2 × 19.7 cm

omen　2014, collage, quail egg, waxed paper, 19.6 × 15 cm

omen　2014, collage, quail egg, waxed paper, 22.2 × 20.9 cm

sun bath　2010, gum, cardboard, 19 × 9 cm
sun bath　2013, gum, cardboard, 14 × 12 cm

sun bath　2013, gum, cardboard, 28.8 × 36.7 cm

sun bath　2010-2013, gum, cardboard, 15.5-24 × 4-16 cm

running coat　2013, gum, cardboard, 30 × 20 cm

sun bath　2016, lambda print, 35.2 x 26.3 cm

sun bath　2016, lambda print, 35.2 x 26.3 cm/p>

drawing　2016, wood, plaster, gel medium, black gesso, 21 x 14.9 cm

drawing　2016, wood, plaster, gel medium, black gesso, 23.6 x 23.6 cm

Paradise at around 2am　2013, paint on galvanized sheet, 183 × 91.8 cm

stones fall　2013, paint on galvanized sheet, 91.8 × 183 cm

a hawk looking for his own shadow and a chicken resting under the shadow
2013, black drawing paper, plaster, glue, 218.3 × 157.6 cm

a hawk looking for his own shadow and a chicken resting under the shadow
2013, black drawing paper, plaster, glue, about 40 × 50 cm

niwatoribito　2004, acrylic on PVC tarpaulin, 180 × 273 cm

niwatoribito　2004, acrylic on PVC tarpaulin, 220 × 180 cm

untitled　2005, cardboard, 10 x 20 cm

kappa　2008, cardboard, 10 x 20 cm