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Kahori Kamiya

Artistic Judge

Kahori Kamiya is a Japanese-born artist who relocated to New York, where she earned her second MFA in Fine Art from the School of Visual Arts. Currently residing and working in Rockland County, NY, Kamiya's work spans sculpture, painting, video, and performance, deeply drawing from herheritage and personal experiences. Her motherhood journey is intertwined withancient Japanese spirituality, resonating with the nurturing and nourishing aspects of nature. Inspired by a past commission in Japan, where she created a God sculpture for Fuji Sengen Shrine, Kamiya reconnected with her roots to create ‘Go-Shintai’ sculptures, representing spirits bonded with natural elements like caves, trees, crystals, and rocks.

Using materials such as unfired clay, plaster, crystal, and gold leaf, Kamiya layers these elements to reveal magical spirits. Her use of gold leaf references the Japanese Kintsugi technique, symbolizing rebirth and healing. As a Reiki healer, Kamiya infuses her work with universal energy, evoking a sense of spiritual restoration and healing.

Kamiya has completed residencies at the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP), ChaNorth, and Prospect Gallery sponsored by Prospect City in Australia. Her work has been recognized with grants and awards from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Arts Westchester, Puffin Foundation, Hudson Valley MOCA, Center on Contemporary Art, and Kitano Foundation. Her projects have been supported by organizations including the Brooklyn Arts Council, Flux Factory, and The Arts Council of Rockland.

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