Tomo Mori

Kimono Soul #12, Abstract Painting

2025

Artist Comments
A burst of colorful squares with various patterns intricately arranged by artist Tomo Mori. "I make tiles with fabrics, then utilize a traditional mosaic technique with acrylic painting," explains Tomo. She carefully cuts each square of vintage kimonos and sets them in a mesmerizing fashion. "The image has layers and slight three-dimensionality to create an interesting texture. The canvas is linen and it adds warmth to the overall feeling. Gold colors reflect light and the painting looks different during the day and night."

About the Artist
Tomo Mori finds herself drawn to images that are melting, dripping, streaming and flowing. Her process is extremely meticulous yet spontaneous in its execution, allowing natural instinct to guide the creativity and fluidity of the work. Tomo's signature technique is collage made of canvas on canvas, a style that adds depth and dimension to her work. Born in Osaka, Japan, her family moved to Tokyo when she was four, where she recalls happy family memories under the cherry blossoms. She is now based in New York, and when she's not making art, Tomo likes spending time with her family and dancing.

Words that describe this painting: mosaic, collage, abstract, nursery, childhood, fabric, pattern, contemporary, kimono, Japanese, mixed media...

Artist Comments
I call this technique 'canvas mosaic' which I developed over the last nine years. The square shapes are cut and painted pieces of canvas fabric that I adhered to the stretched canvas. Initially inspired by digital pixels, but harkens back to traditional mosaic making. Cranes are one of symbolic creatures in Asia. Mysterious and always a little lonely in a beautiful way. I painted a dreamy crane with traditional Japanese Kimono patterns...

Artist Comments
Abstract figures fill the composition and move deeper into the scene. They suggest that spirituality is not only a personal journey but also a shared connection...

Artist Comments
Pieces of maps from an old atlas weave into the composition, symbolizing the search for clarity and purpose. The result is a fragmented cityscape filled with do...