Lights that reach your mind and move your emotions

Ray Kudo is an emerging artist who uses neon light to create his works. His first encounter with neon was in junior high school, when he saw signs in the nightlife district of his hometown, Kochi. Fascinated by its charm, he studied the techniques in the U.S. and Ukraine, and then presented works that combined his neon with various materials such as steel and acrylic, exploring potentials that have a variety of expressions - nostalgic, enchanting, and more.

His exhibition "VAPID" will be held from Wednesday, May 29 to Tuesday, June 25 at LIVING ROOM on the W floor of W Osaka, a luxury hotel in Shinsaibashi, Osaka.

Exhibition Concept

When he first saw neon, he said that the bright colored light and contrasting blackness blended so perfectly as if to tell a story. Since then, he has been creating vibrant works that create a unique aura through the fusion of opposing elements such as light and dark.

His exhibition VAPID presents a series of works based on the color black. The idea for the exhibition came from anecdotes about Osaka merchants during the Edo period, 1603-1867, when luxury was forbidden and clothing was regulated. Fashion-conscious merchants took up the trend of lining kimonos with luxurious and sumptuous designs and prints. Kudo captured their playful spirit in his dazzling neon works. Feel the vitality and energy and enjoy his works through your imagination.

Dive into a world of lights and colors - a world you've never seen before

The exhibition will be held at W Osaka, a hotel with the concept of an adult playground. Designed by Tadao Ando, the building has a minimalist black exterior, while its interior offers a luxurious and colorful opulent space with artistic designs and interior decorations inspired by Japanese culture and the four seasons.

W Osaka actively organizes art events and collaborates with local and international artists.

This exhibition also attracts attention for its unique world view created by the synergy between the meticulously designed space and the artworks. Enjoy an unprecedented art experience at the venue, where neon lights and rich colors stimulate your senses.