ARTIST
ARTIST
biography
Kiichiro Ogawa
barracks* anonymous design gang / artist
Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1970. At the early age of six, Kiichiro was strongly influenced by images of black leather biker jackets with skeletons drawn by punk rockers. At that time, there were no rider jackets for kids, so he started designing and drawing on denim jackets using bleach, his usage of paint began a few years later. In retrospect, this was the catalyst for Kiichiro‘s transition into the world of art and design. While other kids were drawing on papers, Kiichiro was expanding his creative horizons by drawing all over clothes, bags, furniture and over other people’s drawings. After being closely connected with the architecture industry for over 20 years, he branched out on his own as an independent artist. Currently works as a contemporary artist. The announcement of the one and only ‘PEEK-A-BOO’ bag in the world at “ Design Miami 2018 ” in which Kiichiro was featured as a collaborative artist, one of only 5 artists in the world with FENDI, became a hot topic of conversation. In 2020, he acquired a french VISA ‘Passeport talent’ and moved to France. Currently working not only in France, but also in Germany, Italy, Belgium, Holland and other parts of Europe, with production activities mainly in Paris. Rather than just simply produce with a set objective in mind, He is an artist that creates through the interaction of his surrounding phenomena. Live through art. Anyone can be an artist. This is a fact of life. Kiichiro's mission in life is to spread the word to all that immersion into the world of art will bring meaning and pure enjoyment into their lives. Author of ‘Confinement Art’.
biography
Kiichiro Ogawa
barracks* anonymous design gang / artist
barracks* anonymous design gang / artist
Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1970. At the early age of six, Kiichiro was strongly influenced by images of black leather biker jackets with skeletons drawn by punk rockers. At that time, there were no rider jackets for kids, so he started designing and drawing on denim jackets using bleach, his usage of paint began a few years later. In retrospect, this was the catalyst for Kiichiro‘s transition into the world of art and design. While other kids were drawing on papers, Kiichiro was expanding his creative horizons by drawing all over clothes, bags, furniture and over other people’s drawings. After being closely connected with the architecture industry for over 20 years, he branched out on his own as an independent artist. Currently works as a contemporary artist. The announcement of the one and only ‘PEEK-A-BOO’ bag in the world at “ Design Miami 2018 ” in which Kiichiro was featured as a collaborative artist, one of only 5 artists in the world with FENDI, became a hot topic of conversation. In 2020, he acquired a french VISA ‘Passeport talent’ and moved to France.Currently working not only in France, but also in Germany, Italy, Belgium, Holland and other parts of Europe, with production activities mainly in Paris. Rather than just simply produce with a set objective in mind, He is an artist that creates through the interaction of his surrounding phenomena. Live through art. Anyone can be an artist. This is a fact of life. Kiichiro's mission in life is to spread the word to all that immersion into the world of art will bring meaning and pure enjoyment into their lives. Author of ‘Confinement Art’.
philosophy
Paint on the air.
His life revolves around the word 邂逅 KAI-KOH（“encounter”）.
To come upon by chance.
His creative conception originates not from a future vision of artistic details and their assemblage, but rather by impassioned sensations from spontaneous occurrences that well up from within his subconscious to be unleashed , and intertwined with the surrounding phenomena, to act as a catalyst for free flowing creative inspiration.
His heart felt bound by the restraint of his conscious self, thus unable to give life to his creative desires. It dawned on him that his deep indistinct subconscious thoughts, perceptions and aspirations, gave birth to his true creative process. It is a kind of struggle to paint on the air without touching the objects to be painted, trying to find himself deep in the unconscious.
GURUGURU, is rooted in the Japanese concept of continuous motion — reflecting the spiralling layers of Ogawa’s abstract style. Originally, he had only drawn eyes since childhood, but over the years they have become abstracted and evolved into the GURUGURU of today. Ogawa draws eyes. And the viewer looks at the eyes. But the eyes are also looking at us. Here, Ogawa‘s wish is that the work will continue to gently watch over the viewer’s life. GURUGURU also resonates with Ogawa‘s basic philosophy of painting without touching the work: ‘paint on the air’. This theme resonates with Ogawa’s core philosophy: the act of creation without intent, allowing the work to emerge organically, inviting the viewer to experience and interpret each piece in their own way. As Ogawa explains, “Art is not about a final objective but the journey through the unknown, allowing the space between the brushstroke and the viewer to create meaning.” People come into contact with his enigmatic work and embrace the concept of ‘encounter’, the interaction between art and viewer, which creates a deep personal connection with each piece of artHis work transforms the act of painting into an ethereal, unconscious dance with the canvas, constantly swimming in music, the artist‘s continuous, layered movements creating a deep sense of immersion for the viewer.
Such is the phenomenon that is GURUGURU.
philosophy
Paint on the air.
His life revolves around the word 邂逅 KAI-KOH（“encounter”）.
To come upon by chance.
His creative conception originates not from a future vision of artistic details and their assemblage, but rather by impassioned sensations from spontaneous occurrences that well up from within his subconscious to be unleashed , and intertwined with the surrounding phenomena, to act as a catalyst for free flowing creative inspiration.
His heart felt bound by the restraint of his conscious self, thus unable to give life to his creative desires. It dawned on him that his deep indistinct subconscious thoughts, perceptions and aspirations, gave birth to his true creative process. It is a kind of struggle to paint on the air without touching the objects to be painted, trying to find himself deep in the unconscious.
GURUGURU, is rooted in the Japanese concept of continuous motion — reflecting the spiralling layers of Ogawa’s abstract style. Originally, he had only drawn eyes since childhood, but over the years they have become abstracted and evolved into the GURUGURU of today. Ogawa draws eyes. And the viewer looks at the eyes. But the eyes are also looking at us. Here, Ogawa‘s wish is that the work will continue to gently watch over the viewer’s life. GURUGURU also resonates with Ogawa‘s basic philosophy of painting without touching the work: ‘paint on the air’. This theme resonates with Ogawa’s core philosophy: the act of creation without intent, allowing the work to emerge organically, inviting the viewer to experience and interpret each piece in their own way. As Ogawa explains, “Art is not about a final objective but the journey through the unknown, allowing the space between the brushstroke and the viewer to create meaning.” People come into contact with his enigmatic work and embrace the concept of ‘encounter’, the interaction between art and viewer, which creates a deep personal connection with each piece of artHis work transforms the act of painting into an ethereal, unconscious dance with the canvas, constantly swimming in music, the artist‘s continuous, layered movements creating a deep sense of immersion for the viewer.
Such is the phenomenon that is GURUGURU.
recent projects
| 2025 | |
| September | : EXPO 2025 Osaka, ARMENIA JAPAN FASHION ART SHOW 2025 in Osaka, Japan |
| : LIVE PAINTING at GT LIVE TOKYO Roppongi in Tokyo, Japan | |
| : Private exhibition “GURUGURU –Eye am watching you-” at CASA BLOOM in Barcelona, SPAIN | |
| June | : Private exhibition “GURUGURU –Eye am watching you-” at Galerie Nichido in Paris, France |
| : Participated as a guest speaker at ARCHIFEST 2025, Singapore | |
| April | : Uniform for the Armenian pavilion at the WORLD EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan |
| January | : Private exhibition “GURUGURU –Eye am watching you-” at ISETAN SHINJUKU in Tokyo Japan |
| : Private exhibition "descARTes" at Galerie La Lison in Paris, France | |
| 2024 | |
| December | : Private exhibition "GURUGURU - Eye am watching you-" at ISETAN in Singapore |
| : Art project "descARTes" at Kiichiro's atelier in France | |
| October | : Exhibit at "moderne ART FAIR" in Paris, France |
| August | : Private exhibition at "Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, Hankyu Umeda Gallery" in Osaka, Japan |
| January | : Private exhibition "GURUGURU" at 'la collection' in Antwerp, Belgium |
| 2023 | |
| November | : NHK documentary program "THE HUMAN" broadcasted in Japan |
| October | : Art Project " Asile Flottant by Le Corbusier " in Paris, France |
| September | : Art Project "corrugated house" in Toyohashi Aichi, Japan |
| : Exhibited at "TANSEIKAI" at ISETAN SHINJUKU in Tokyo, Japan | |
| April | : FENDI ”hand in hand exhibition” exhibited the art collaboration work of Peekaboo bag painted by Kiichiro |
| in Tokyo, Japan |
|
| March | : Private exhibition "GURUGURU -Berührt – Verführt- “ à Kunstverein Ulm, Germany |
| January | : Private exhibition "GURUGURU -Beyond the sanctuary- " at Galerie Nichido in Paris |
| 2022 | |
| October | : Private exhibition “GURUGURU" at SINIBALDI GALERIE in Arles France |
| August | : Private exhibition “GURUGURU - Eye am watching you-" at Hankyu MEN’S OSAKA dept. Store in Japan |
| July | : In charge of producing all paintings in the new hotel “Auberge eaufeu” in Komatsu, Japan |
| July | : Exhibition “FOUR PLANES” at Merkenwinkel, Amsterdam |
| April | : Private exhibition “GURUGURU - Eye am watching you-" at Galerie la Lison in Paris |
| March | : Private exhibition “GURUGURU - stillness and motion" at ARMINE OHANYAN PARIS in Paris |
| 2021 | |
| December | : Private exhibition "GURU-GURU -Jusqu’au bout du souffle-" at GALERIE PAUL AMARICA in Paris |
| October | : Collaborated with the fashion brand "MAISON ARMINE OHANYAN PARIS“ during Paris Fashion Week |
| September | : Exhibit to ”LES ARTISTES ORIGINAIRES du HYOGO JAPON “ at Bureau de Representation du HYOGO |
| June | : The first solo exhibition ”GURU-GURU” after moving to Paris |
| 2020 | |
| November | : Moved to France |
| October | : Private exhibition “confinement art” at Kobe Fashion Museum |
| : Published his art book “監禁芸術confinement art” | |
| September | : Private exhibition “寂光-solitude-” at Gallery SUGATA in ZENKASHOIN Kyoto |
| June | : Private exhibition ”WATERSHED 93125” at ROKKOSAN SILENCE RESORT in Kobe |
| March | : Provided the costume in the Netflix’s drama “FOLLOWERS” distributed simultaneously to190 countries worldwide |
| February | : Collaboration with DOMANI Antwerpen Belgique released in February |
| 2019 | |
| August | : Opened a private exhibition at MITOYO-TSURU as Setouchi Triennale 2019 in Kagawa(1st Aug.-04th Nov. |
| July | : Invited to give an art performance at the Japan Expo in Paris. |
| April | : Worked for a mural production in Kagawa prefecture, Guest house "ARCHIPELAGO" and |
| "AWASHIMA ART CANVAS"as part of the Setouchi Art Festival. | |
| March | : Mural production of Kimono shop "Kyokomachi" in Kyoto. |
| January | : Took part in a collaborative exhibition and live painting with fashion brand ‘vital’ in Paris. |
| 2018 | |
| December | : Announced collaboration work with fashion brand "FENDI" in Miami. |
| : Selected as one of 5 artists in the world chosen by FENDI. | |
| : Guest presentation at FIT (New York State Fashion Institute of Technology). | |
| November | : First stage of the art event "Silent Cabaret" for the world premiere at Nishinomiyahama. |
| October | : Collaging Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" working with Louis Vuitton video team and Kyodo News Co., Ltd. |
| September | : Opened a private exhibition "ENCOUNTER" in Paris. |
| August | : Art production of 5 star hotel "Renaissance Taipei Shihlin Hotel" of the Marriott Group Hotel in Taipei. |
| June | : Worked on art production of the entire Rakuten Hotel complex in Shinsaibashi, Osaka.・February |
| February | : Opened the "Turn Table Hotel" in Shibuya, Tokyo as part of a public project of Tokushima Prefecture. |
recent project
2025
September
: EXPO 2025 Osaka, ARMENIA JAPAN FASHION ART SHOW 2025 in Osaka, Japan
: LIVE PAINTING at GT LIVE TOKYO Roppongi in Tokyo, Japan
: Private exhibition “GURUGURU –Eye am watching you-” at CASA BLOOM in Barcelona, SPAIN
June
: Private exhibition “GURUGURU –Eye am watching you-” at Galerie Nichido in Paris, France
: Participated as a guest speaker at ARCHIFEST 2025, Singapore
April
: Uniform for the Armenian pavilion at the WORLD EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan
January
: Private exhibition “GURUGURU –Eye am watching you-” at ISETAN SHINJUKU in Tokyo Japan
: Private exhibition "descARTes" at Galerie La Lison in Paris, France
2024
December
: Private exhibition "GURU-GURU - Eye am watching you" at ISETAN in Singapore
: Art project " descARTes" at Kiichiro's atelier in France
October
: Exhibit at ‘moderne ART FAIR’ in Paris, France
August
: Private exhibition at "Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store, Hankyu Umeda Gallery" in Osaka, Japan
January
: Private exhibition "GURUGURU" at 'la collection' in Antwerp, Belgium
2023
November
: NHK documentary program "THE HUMAN" broadcasted in Japan
October
: Art Project "Asile Flottant by Corbusier" in Paris, France
September
: Art Project "corrugated house" in Toyohashi Aichi, Japan
: Exhibited at "TANSEIKAI" at ISETAN SHINJUKU in Tokyo, Japan
April
: FENDI ”hand in hand exhibition” exhibited the art collaboration work of Peekaboo bag painted by Kiichiro in Tokyo, Japan
March
: Private exhibition "GURUGURU - Berührt – Verführt -“ à Kunstverein Ulm, Germany
January
: Private exhibition "GURUGURU - Beyond the sanctuary -" at Galerie Nichido in Paris
2022
October
: Private exhibition “GURUGURU at SINIBALDI GALERIE in Arles France
August
: Private exhibition “GURUGURU - Eye am watching you-" at Hankyu MEN’S OSAKA dept. Store in Japan
July
: In charge of producing all paintings in the new hotel “Auberge eaufeu” in Komatsu, Japan
July
: Exhibition “FOUR PLANES” at Merkenwinkel, Amsterdam
April
: Private exhibition “GURUGURU - Eye am watching you-" at Galerie la Lison in Paris
March
: Private exhibition “GURUGURU - stillness and motion" at ARMINE OHANYAN PARIS in Paris
2021
December
: Private exhibition "GURU-GURU -Jusqu’au bout du souffle-" at GALERIE PAUL AMARICA in Paris
October
: Collaborated with the fashion brand "MAISON ARMINE OHANYAN PARIS“ during Paris Fashion Week
September
: Exhibit to ”LES ARTISTES ORIGINAIRES du HYOGO JAPON “ at Bureau de Representation du HYOGO
June
: The first solo exhibition ”GURU-GURU” after moving to Paris
2020
November
: Moved to France
October
: Private exhibition “confinement art” at Kobe Fashion Museum
: Published his art book “監禁芸術confinement art”
September
: Private exhibition “寂光-solitude-” at Gallery SUGATA in ZENKASHOIN Kyoto
June
: Private exhibition ”WATERSHED 93125” at ROKKOSAN SILENCE RESORT in Kobe
March
: Provided the costume in the Netflix’s drama “FOLLOWERS” distributed simultaneously to190 countries worldwide
February
: Collaboration with DOMANI Antwerpen Belgique released in February
2019
August
: Opened a private exhibition at MITOYO-TSURU as Setouchi Triennale 2019 in Kagawa(1st Aug.-04th Nov.)
July
: Invited to give an art performance at the Japan Expo in Paris.
April
April
: Worked for a mural production in Kagawa prefecture, Guest house "ARCHIPELAGO" and "AWASHIMA ART CANVAS" as part of the Setouchi Art Festival.
March
: Mural production of Kimono shop "Kyokomachi" in Kyoto.
January
: Took part in a collaborative exhibition and live painting with fashion brand ‘vital’ in Paris.
: Took part in a collaborative exhibition and live painting with fashion brand ‘vital’ in Paris.
2018
December
: Announced collaboration work with fashion brand "FENDI" in Miami.
: Selected as one of 5 artists in the world chosen by FENDI.
: Guest presentation at FIT (New York State Fashion Institute of Technology).
: Selected as one of 5 artists in the world chosen by FENDI.
: Guest presentation at FIT (New York State Fashion Institute of Technology).
November
: First stage of the art event "Silent Cabaret" for the world premiere at Nishinomiyahama.
October
October
: Collaging Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" working with Louis Vuitton video team and Kyodo News Co., Ltd.
September
September
: Opened a private exhibition "ENCOUNTER" in Paris.
August
August
: Art production of 5 star hotel "Renaissance Taipei Shihlin Hotel" of the Marriott Group Hotel in Taipei.
June
June
: Worked on art production of the entire Rakuten Hotel complex in Shinsaibashi, Osaka.・February
February
: Opened the "Turn Table Hotel" in Shibuya, Tokyo as part of a public project of Tokushima Prefecture.
