​

 

Takaya Mukai (b. 1991, Japan) is a self-taught artist and photographer based in Osaka. His work draws from deeply personal experiences and focuses on the relationship between memory, identity, and the conditions that shape the self.​​​

​​​​​

​​​​​

​

​

​

I take as my subject the essential self that has been unconsciously shaped by a repressed psyche, and explore the tension and psychological functions brought about by intimate and personal experiences such as loneliness and trauma.

​

Rather than exposing a narrative, I aim to appeal to the emotions and impressions

surrounding the theme. Abstract themes and symbols emerge within the story, taking shape in the unfolding of my confession.

​​​

​​​

​​​

​​​

CV

​

Solo Exhibitions

　2026 —『孤独の庭と部屋の夜』(Solitary Garden and Room Night)

　　　　　KYOTO MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY Gallery Japanesque, Kyoto, Japan

　2021 —『バタフライ』(Butterfly), Gallery Solaris, Osaka, Japan​​​

​

​​​Awards

　2026 — Finalist, LensCulture Art Photography Awards, Series 

　2026 — Shortlisted, Athens Photo Festival (APhF), Exhibition Program

​

​​​Publications

　2025 — ZINE『孤独の庭と部屋の夜』(Solitary Garden and Room Night)

​

​

​​​​​​​