Wataru Hatano / KOGEI

Area：Ayabe, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Material：Washi (Japanese paper)

Wataru Hatano, born in 1971 on Awaji Island, Japan, is a washi artist and craftsman based in Ayabe, Kyoto. After graduating from Tama Art University with a degree in oil painting, he trained at Kurotani Washi, where he continues to contribute to the preservation of this traditional craft. His work spans from craft pieces and interior design to fine art, all centered around washi, which he reintroduces into modern living to highlight its beauty and versatility.

Hatano’s art explores the interplay between strength and tenderness, creating works that both warmly embrace and strongly draw in the viewer. His notable pieces, "The accumulation of time" and "A view from the window," are admired for their ability to blend seamlessly into the spaces they inhabit. He positions his works as "areas" within a space, drawing on the ancient Japanese understanding of spatial awareness, much like art displayed in tokonoma or tea rooms.

Through his art, Hatano is passionate about preserving and promoting the cultural and environmental significance of washi, encouraging people to rediscover its timeless charm and aesthetic in everyday life.