Donchi

Donchi is an artist whose colourful, whimsical style blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary influences. From his rooftop atelier in Tokyo, Donchi works primarily with washi, a traditional Japanese paper that is made by hand, and pigments, employing a vibrant palette of colours that blend together like melting ice cream.

Combining techniques such as giclée printing and katazome, a traditional stencil dyeing method, Donchi’s work features motifs of flowers, fruits, animals and humans, their playful forms recalling the charm of childhood doodles.

“I have a deep interest not only in contemporary approaches, but also in traditional Japanese culture and crafts. My work is a study in blending the two.”

A Fusion of Colour and Culture

Donchi cites a wide range of inspiration, from fashion to artistic influences that span the French Supports/Surfaces movement, the folk craft tradition of Japanese Mingei and Henri Matisse’s iconic cut-outs. His recognisable colourful style comes from choosing hues intuitively and embracing spontaneity over precision.

Born and raised in Tokyo, Donchi worked as a graphic designer after graduating from Tama Art University before transitioning to a full-time career as an artist in 2018. He has recently begun to explore the art of weaving, working under his real name, Shinsuke Sakamoto, to produce handwoven and dyed fabrics. Looking ahead, Donchi is exploring the possiblity of trading urban life for a more rural setting: “I would like to build an atelier and residence in the countryside, about two hours from Tokyo. I also plan to start a farm there, so I’ve recently begun looking for land.”