our practice

vivi & vela is a fine arts studio working between the UK and Japan. drawing on British, Italian and Caribbean heritage, our practice is dedicated to abstract expression, exploring color, form, and texture in contemporary painting.

founded in 2023, we create mixed media paintings through an independent practice bridging eastern and western sensibilities.

drawn to the beauty that emerges through diversity, contrast, and exchange, our work reflects a dialogue between diverse cultural landscapes, from the vibrant hues of the Caribbean to the quiet restraint of wabi-sabi aesthetics in japan. each piece is a reflection of artistic intuition, material exploration, and a pursuit of harmony within abstraction.

vivi & vela

our creative philosophy

rooted in natural & cultural influences, our work explores harmony & contrast, expressing cultural nuance & material presence.

  • cultural abstraction

    bridging japanese aesthetics with western sensibilities, these works reinterpret our heritage through contemporary abstraction.

  • materiality as identity

    drawing on organic forms and landscapes, layering mineral pigments and natural media to build tactile depth.

  • beauty in contrast

    melding simplicity with opulence and restraint with intensity—affirming diversity as beauty found in contrast.

exhibition history

last updated: Aug 2026
upcoming shows marked with an asterisk (*)

solo shows

2027/02 [タイトル未定]
Ise Miyamachi Hotel、三重
2026/07 shoreline | 海の記憶
千葉県立青葉の森公園、千葉
2026/01 garden | 樹々の採光
千葉県立青葉の森公園、千葉

juried / group exhibitions

2026
ARK Award 5th
ランデブーギャラリー、京都
ギャラリーへ行こう2026、入選
数寄和ギャラリー、東京
世界絵画大賞展 22nd 、入選
東京都美術館、東京
絵と言葉のチカラ 5th、入選
松坂屋上野、東京
2025
CHANGTING GALLERY 5th、 入選
長亭GALLERY、東京
AG Holdings 中央区アートオークション 3rd
築地本願寺、東京
SHIBUYA ART AWARDS 11th
東京
千葉県美術展覧会 74th、 入選
千葉県立美術館、千葉
新制作展 88th、 入選
国立新美術館、東京
Tokyo Pride, Queer Art（以降毎年）
東急プラザ原宿、Tokyo

awards

2026ART Mirai 29th, 外務大臣賞
国立新美術館、東京
2025Art & Health 3rd, 佳作
Shinjuku Artcomplex Center、東京
2025ART Mirai 28th, 秀作 & ホルベイン賞
国立新美術館、東京

Full CV is available in PDF:
View CV & portfolio

selected contemporary painting projects and exhibitions may be presented under Vivienne Vela