UNEXPECTED/UNDIVIDED
B. 1980
MARI ITO
Based
Spain & Japan
Based
Spain & Japan
Education
Joshibi University of Art and Design in Tokyo - Majored in Nihonga
Education
Joshibi University of Art and Design in Tokyo - Majored in Nihonga
Represented
Exclusively In India
Represented
Exclusively In India
Medium
Paintings, sculptures, installations
Medium
Paintings, sculptures, installations
Mari Ito fuses Nihonga tradition with Barcelona’s light, creating dreamscapes where desire, animism, and emotion bloom into vibrant worlds.
Mari Ito fuses Nihonga tradition with Barcelona’s light, creating dreamscapes where desire, animism, and emotion bloom into vibrant worlds.
Born in Tokyo in 1980 and based in Barcelona since 2006, Mari Ito is a contemporary artist trained in Nihonga, the Japanese style of painting that emphasizes natural pigments, layered techniques, and meticulous craftsmanship. Her early training in Japan instilled a discipline rooted in tradition, yet her relocation to Spain marked a decisive turning point. Confronted with the Mediterranean’s intense contrasts of light and shadow and the depth of European painting, she began blending the flat delicacy of Japanese aesthetics with the luminosity and dimensionality of her new environment. This bicultural perspective continues to shape her practice, giving rise to a visual language that is both traditional and experimental.
Born in Tokyo in 1980 and based in Barcelona since 2006, Mari Ito is a contemporary artist trained in Nihonga, the Japanese style of painting that emphasizes natural pigments, layered techniques, and meticulous craftsmanship. Her early training in Japan instilled a discipline rooted in tradition, yet her relocation to Spain marked a decisive turning point. Confronted with the Mediterranean’s intense contrasts of light and shadow and the depth of European painting, she began blending the flat delicacy of Japanese aesthetics with the luminosity and dimensionality of her new environment. This bicultural perspective continues to shape her practice, giving rise to a visual language that is both traditional and experimental.
Building on this foundation, Ito explores animism, desire, and the complexities of emotion, often through surreal flowers with human-like faces. These motifs embody subconscious impulses—joy, sorrow, anger, or longing—rendered with both humor and poignancy. Her process remains grounded in Nihonga techniques—layering mineral pigments and sumi ink on washi paper, through sculpture and installation. Through this interplay of heritage and innovation, Ito creates vivid universes where hidden desires and collective memory bloom into imaginative, meditative worlds. Ito's work has been shown internationally in cities such as Barcelona, Basel, Istanbul, and New York, with highlights including Casa Vicens, the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid, and ARCO Madrid 2023.
Building on this foundation, Ito explores animism, desire, and the complexities of emotion, often through surreal flowers with human-like faces. These motifs embody subconscious impulses—joy, sorrow, anger, or longing—rendered with both humor and poignancy. Her process remains grounded in Nihonga techniques—layering mineral pigments and sumi ink on washi paper, through sculpture and installation. Through this interplay of heritage and innovation, Ito creates vivid universes where hidden desires and collective memory bloom into imaginative, meditative worlds. Ito's work has been shown internationally in cities such as Barcelona, Basel, Istanbul, and New York, with highlights including Casa Vicens, the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid, and ARCO Madrid 2023.
Artist CV
Artwork Showcase
Florecer contra la bomba
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
73 x 60 cm
2025
Florecer contra la bomba
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
73 x 60 cm
2025
How different would my future be if I wanted to go right and I wanted to go left?
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
41 x 32cm
2025
How different would my future be if I wanted to go right and I wanted to go left?
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
41 x 32cm
2025
Joy Can Lost Forever, Depending on How You Percieve it
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
180 x 240 cm
2025
Joy Can Lost Forever, Depending on How You Percieve it
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
180 x 240 cm
2025
Origin of Desire - The Unfolding of Joy -
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
55 x 46 cm
2025
Origin of Desire - The Unfolding of Joy -
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
55 x 46 cm
2025
Origin of desire -Are you craving something super sweet?-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
Origin of desire -Are you craving something super sweet?-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
Origin of Desire -I am in kindness-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
116 × 89cm
2025
Origin of Desire -I am in kindness-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
116 × 89cm
2025
Origin of desire -I’m craving something super sweet!-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
Origin of desire -I’m craving something super sweet!-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
infinity -lovely gramma-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
60 x 60 cm
2024
infinity -lovely gramma-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
60 x 60 cm
2024
infinity -to be happy -
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
60 x 60 cm
2024
infinity -to be happy -
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
60 x 60 cm
2024
Origin of desire - I always want to be your cutie honey
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
27.3 x 22cm
2024
Origin of desire - I always want to be your cutie honey
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
27.3 x 22cm
2024
Origin of desire -Burst of emotion B-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -Burst of emotion B-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -emotion B-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -emotion B-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -I want to eat something delicious and ripe-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14cm
2024
Origin of desire -I want to eat something delicious and ripe-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14cm
2024
Origin of desire -overflowing of joy-
Wood panel,Japanese paper, pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
27x21.5 cm
2024
Origin of desire -overflowing of joy-
Wood panel,Japanese paper, pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
27x21.5 cm
2024
Origin of desire -The "strawberry chocolate love" that I had been holding back for so long popped.
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14cm
2024
Origin of desire -The "strawberry chocolate love" that I had been holding back for so long popped.
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14cm
2024
Origin of Desire - Overflowing Motivation is Melting Away
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
116 x 91cm
2023
Origin of Desire - Overflowing Motivation is Melting Away
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
116 x 91cm
2023
Origin of desire -Happy rhythm #2-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
40 cm Ø
2018
Origin of desire -Happy rhythm #2-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
40 cm Ø
2018
Flower bomb -hope-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
61 x 49.5cm
2025
Flower bomb -hope-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
61 x 49.5cm
2025
Joy can last forever, depending on how you perceive it.
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
180 x 240 cm
2025
Joy can last forever, depending on how you perceive it.
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
180 x 240 cm
2025
Origin of Desire - The Emergence of Overflowing of Joy -
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
55 x 46 cm
2025
Origin of Desire - The Emergence of Overflowing of Joy -
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
55 x 46 cm
2025
Origin of Desire -1 am in joy-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
116 × 89cm
2025
Origin of Desire -1 am in joy-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
116 × 89cm
2025
Origin of Desire -happiness-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
50 × 61 cm
2025
Origin of Desire -happiness-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
50 × 61 cm
2025
Origin of desire -I’d love to grab some tasty brunch on Sunday.-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
Origin of desire -I’d love to grab some tasty brunch on Sunday.-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
Origin of desire -Want to grab some tasty brunch on Sunday?-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
Origin of desire -Want to grab some tasty brunch on Sunday?-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
infinity -pray for peace-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
60 x 60 cm
2024
infinity -pray for peace-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
60 x 60 cm
2024
Origin of desire -I always wish for peace-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
24.3 x 33 cm
2024
Origin of desire -I always wish for peace-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
24.3 x 33 cm
2024
Origin of desire - The Cellular Division of Desire-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
16 x 22 cm
2024
Origin of desire - The Cellular Division of Desire-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
16 x 22 cm
2024
Origin of desire -Burst of emotion B- #2
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
27x21.5 cm
2024
Origin of desire -Burst of emotion B- #2
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
27x21.5 cm
2024
Origin of desire -emotion C Meltdown -
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
8x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -emotion C Meltdown -
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
8x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -I'd love a cup of Earl Grey and a lovely sugary treat-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -I'd love a cup of Earl Grey and a lovely sugary treat-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -Rupture of emotion A-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
27x21.5cm
2024
Origin of desire -Rupture of emotion A-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
27x21.5cm
2024
Origin of desire: Happiness begets hippiness, and my hope multiply-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
146 x 228cm
2024
Origin of desire: Happiness begets hippiness, and my hope multiply-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
146 x 228cm
2024
Origin of desire-gift-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
35 x 35 cm
2022
Origin of desire-gift-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
35 x 35 cm
2022
Florecer contra la bomba
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
73 x 60 cm
2025
Flower bomb -hope-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
61 x 49.5cm
2025
How different would my future be if I wanted to go right and I wanted to go left?
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
41 x 32cm
2025
Joy can last forever, depending on how you perceive it.
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
180 x 240 cm
2025
Joy Can Lost Forever, Depending on How You Percieve it
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
180 x 240 cm
2025
Origin of Desire - The Emergence of Overflowing of Joy -
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
55 x 46 cm
2025
Origin of Desire - The Unfolding of Joy -
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
55 x 46 cm
2025
Origin of Desire -1 am in joy-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
116 × 89cm
2025
Origin of desire -Are you craving something super sweet?-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
Origin of Desire -happiness-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
50 × 61 cm
2025
Origin of Desire -I am in kindness-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
116 × 89cm
2025
Origin of desire -I’d love to grab some tasty brunch on Sunday.-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
Origin of desire -I’m craving something super sweet!-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
Origin of desire -Want to grab some tasty brunch on Sunday?-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
30 x 30 cm
2025
infinity -lovely gramma-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
60 x 60 cm
2024
infinity -pray for peace-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
60 x 60 cm
2024
infinity -to be happy -
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
60 x 60 cm
2024
Origin of desire -I always wish for peace-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
24.3 x 33 cm
2024
Origin of desire - I always want to be your cutie honey
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
27.3 x 22cm
2024
Origin of desire - The Cellular Division of Desire-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
16 x 22 cm
2024
Origin of desire -Burst of emotion B-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -Burst of emotion B- #2
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
27x21.5 cm
2024
Origin of desire -emotion B-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -emotion C Meltdown -
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
8x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -I want to eat something delicious and ripe-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14cm
2024
Origin of desire -I'd love a cup of Earl Grey and a lovely sugary treat-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14 cm
2024
Origin of desire -overflowing of joy-
Wood panel,Japanese paper, pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
27x21.5 cm
2024
Origin of desire -Rupture of emotion A-
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
27x21.5cm
2024
Origin of desire -The "strawberry chocolate love" that I had been holding back for so long popped.
Wood panel,Japanese paper,pigment,sumi, nikawa glue
18x14cm
2024
Origin of desire: Happiness begets hippiness, and my hope multiply-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
146 x 228cm
2024
Origin of Desire - Overflowing Motivation is Melting Away
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
116 x 91cm
2023
Origin of desire-gift-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
35 x 35 cm
2022
Origin of desire -Happy rhythm #2-
Wood panel, Japanese paper Oguni washi, pigment, sumi, nikawa glue
40 cm Ø
2018
Exhibition Showcase
