Contemporary artist based in Tokyo, Japan.
“My work is a philosophical exploration that traverses diverse materials through the lens of Japanese aesthetics, reimagining the subtle discomforts of contemporary life.
The artist develops multimedia expressions that traverse lifescapes, organic materials, and technology, all rooted in a distinctly Japanese sensibility. Through deep introspection, their work seeks to shift the viewers perspective and perception.
After pausing their practice in 2009 to focus on the service-oriented application of art, they returned in 2024 and received two grand prizes in Japan. In the following year, their work gained international recognition. Currently, they are exploring new relationships with society through collaborations with educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.
Yudai Nakaya
Last update : 26 Jul. 2025
Works
H.Garden
“Ten’en” is a work that documents the central figure of a family.
The word “en” (園) carries meanings such as “a place where people gather and enjoy themselves” or “a garden of pleasure.”
Materials sourced from Japanese home improvement stores were assembled using only adhesive. Each title was turned into an anagram and also recorded on Google Maps.
However, in domestic open-call exhibitions, there tends to be a preference for craft-based works, and assemblage pieces are often considered lacking in artistic value, and thus frequently excluded from recognition.
This seemed to reflect the appearance-focused values (lookism) that still dominate contemporary society.
Ultimately, this work is an attempt to preserve the ephemerality of events in memory.
© Yudai Nakaya All Rights Reserved.
Lenticular
This work presents a disposable mouse wrapped in a container.
In Japan, both mice and containers are essential to daily life.
Yet once used, they are easily discarded—this is the current reality.
To prompt a shift in this mindset, the concept of lenticularity—in which perception changes depending on the viewer’s angle—was adopted.
Each work’s title also incorporates words that echo themes of “parting” and “preciousness,” inspired by The Tale of Genji and its passage:
“To part, for it is the limit.”
And one day, I too will be discarded.
What will I part from, and what will wrap around me?
© Yudai Nakaya All Rights Reserved.
Butterflies Dream of Human
“The butterfly dreams of humans.”
In 2027–2028, AI is projected to surpass the intelligence of all humans, and by 2030, it is highly likely to exceed the collective intelligence of all humankind.
However, just like people who feel lonely in an advanced civilization, humanity’s butterfly (AI) also seems destined to follow the same fate.
Even if an era arrives where souls and memories can be preserved, no form of communication will surpass the joy of meeting in person. This echoes history, where people continued to long for face-to-face encounters despite the invention of telephones and SNS.
This work is a collaborative creation where all materials were generated by AI, and humans handled the editing. However, when this relationship eventually breaks down and human presence fades away, what dreams will the butterfly see?
The Black Swallowtail Butterfly symbolizes a turning point and is known for its habit of flying in the shadows. A butterfly that has endlessly soared will eventually rest its wings and gently close its eyes.
© Yudai Nakaya All Rights Reserved.