Artist
Yuta Okuda
奥田雄太
Yuta Okuda was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1987. He studied fashion design in both Japan and England. After working as a designer for a fashion brand, he turned to art in 2016. Following the coronavirus pandemic, he realized that the things he had taken for granted were special all along, and so he began to draw works of flowers in the theme of “with gratitude”. The motifs are said to be based on the memories of childhood that the artist remembered when he “salvaged himself ” and were created in the wake of COVID-19.
Yuta Okuda (b. 1987, Aichi Prefecture, Japan) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges the realms of fashion design and fine art. After studying fashion design in both Japan and England, Okuda embarked on a career as a designer for a fashion brand. In 2016, he made a pivotal shift to focus on art, bringing a keen sense of composition, texture, and storytelling from his design background into his creative practice.
His work gained profound depth and resonance following the coronavirus pandemic. This period marked a turning point in his life and artistic vision, as he reflected on the fragility and beauty of the ordinary. Rediscovering gratitude for the simple yet meaningful moments of life, Okuda began creating flower-themed works under the series title “With Gratitude.” These motifs, inspired by childhood memories and his process of self-reconnection during the pandemic, capture both an intimate nostalgia and a universal hopefulness.
Okuda’s solo exhibitions span a variety of prestigious galleries and institutions across Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and beyond. His recent exhibitions include “With Gratitude” at Isetan Shinjuku (2024, Tokyo), B&B Italia (2024, Osaka), and Shanghai Powerlong Museum (2024, China). In addition, his series “Circulation” and “beautiful foodchain” have been featured in prominent venues such as Mizuma Gallery (Singapore and Tokyo) and Between the Arts Gallery (Tokyo). Yuta’s practice has garnered international acclaim, with his participation in leading art fairs such as Art Basel Hong Kong, Art SG in Singapore, Art Miami, and Art Fair Tokyo.
Drawing from his background in fashion, Okuda’s artistry blends intricate line work with vibrant, emotive palettes. His works often evoke an interplay between the organic and the abstract, highlighting themes of memory, transformation, and interconnectedness. His flower motifs, which serve as symbols of resilience and beauty, invite viewers to pause and find gratitude in the fleeting yet precious moments of life.
Okuda continues to expand his practice, exploring new materials, formats, and collaborations. His art remains a testament to his belief in the power of creativity to heal, connect, and inspire.
