Yukako Manabe | Contemporary Japanese Printmaking and Visual Arts

Yukako Manabe is a Japanese visual artist and researcher whose work explores the ephemeral boundaries between reality and the imaginary. Born in Tokyo in 1994, Yukako Manabe holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Japanese Painting and a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking from the prestigious Tokyo University of the Arts. Her multidisciplinary practice is characterized by a sophisticated integration of traditional techniques—such as mineral pigments, gold leaf, and copper leaf—with modern printmaking processes like lithography and intaglio. Throughout her career, Yukako Manabe has developed a distinct visual language that delves into themes of natural wonders, memory, and the tactile nature of her chosen media. Her series, including Dream and Road under repair, showcase her ability to translate complex inner emotions into physical forms, ranging from delicate prints on paper to large-scale installations and short films. Yukako Manabe’s work has been widely exhibited in solo and group exhibitions across Japan, including notable shows at Sukiwa and Gallery Binosha. As a researcher and artist, Yukako Manabe continues to push the limits of materiality in printmaking. Her dedication to the craft has earned her recognition within the contemporary art scene, including the Kamiyama Foundation scholarship. By investigating the cross-section of traditional Japanese art and contemporary expression, she creates evocative pieces that invite viewers to witness the natural wonders of her internal world.