Shun Sudo fuses pop and traditional Japanese aesthetics into vibrant symbols of connection, peace, and hope.

Shun Sudo fuses pop and traditional Japanese aesthetics into vibrant symbols of connection, peace, and hope.

Born in Tokyo in 1977, Shun Sudo is a leading contemporary artist based between Tokyo and New York. Largely self-taught after moving to the United States in his twenties, he absorbed influences from skateboarding, graffiti, manga, and anime while remaining inspired by traditional Japanese painting techniques, specifically sumi-e. His practice now spans painting, drawing, and sculpture, defined by bold imagery that merges Eastern aesthetics with Western pop sensibilities. Exhibited in Tokyo, New York, and Miami, his works blur the boundaries between “high” and “low” art—accessible in their vibrancy yet layered with commentary on contemporary life. His murals, canvases, and installations have positioned him among Japan’s most significant contemporary voices, with a practice that appeals equally to international audiences and local communities.

Born in Tokyo in 1977, Shun Sudo is a leading contemporary artist based between Tokyo and New York. Largely self-taught after moving to the United States in his twenties, he absorbed influences from skateboarding, graffiti, manga, and anime while remaining inspired by traditional Japanese painting techniques, specifically sumi-e. His practice now spans painting, drawing, and sculpture, defined by bold imagery that merges Eastern aesthetics with Western pop sensibilities. Exhibited in Tokyo, New York, and Miami, his works blur the boundaries between “high” and “low” art—accessible in their vibrancy yet layered with commentary on contemporary life. His murals, canvases, and installations have positioned him among Japan’s most significant contemporary voices, with a practice that appeals equally to international audiences and local communities.

A formal oil painting of a man in a black coat, wearing a medal on his chest
A formal oil painting of a man in a black coat, wearing a medal on his chest
A formal oil painting of a man in a black coat, wearing a medal on his chest
A formal oil painting of a man in a black coat, wearing a medal on his chest
A formal oil painting of a man in a black coat, wearing a medal on his chest
A formal oil painting of a man in a black coat, wearing a medal on his chest
A formal oil painting of a man in a black coat, wearing a medal on his chest
A formal oil painting of a man in a black coat, wearing a medal on his chest
A formal oil painting of a man in a black coat, wearing a medal on his chest

At the heart of Sudo’s work lies a philosophy of unity, crystallized in his recurring “Button Flower” motif. Flowers symbolize beauty and renewal, while buttons represent connection; together they form an emblem of love, peace, and shared humanity. Sudo has expanded this vision through collaborations with Christian Louboutin, Porsche, Nike, Apple, and Medicom’s BE@RBRICK, as well as projects for Ginza Sony Park and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. His exhibitions—such as Blowin’ in the Wind (2022), which transformed war imagery into blossoms of resilience, and Momentary (2023), which brought his flowers onto a gold-leaf screen in a Zen temple—demonstrate his ability to merge social critique with optimism. Through these diverse expressions, Sudo positions art as a bridge between cultures, traditions, and generations, inviting viewers into a world where imagination becomes a vehicle for peace.

At the heart of Sudo’s work lies a philosophy of unity, crystallized in his recurring “Button Flower” motif. Flowers symbolize beauty and renewal, while buttons represent connection; together they form an emblem of love, peace, and shared humanity. Sudo has expanded this vision through collaborations with Christian Louboutin, Porsche, Nike, Apple, and Medicom’s BE@RBRICK, as well as projects for Ginza Sony Park and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. His exhibitions—such as Blowin’ in the Wind (2022), which transformed war imagery into blossoms of resilience, and Momentary (2023), which brought his flowers onto a gold-leaf screen in a Zen temple—demonstrate his ability to merge social critique with optimism. Through these diverse expressions, Sudo positions art as a bridge between cultures, traditions, and generations, inviting viewers into a world where imagination becomes a vehicle for peace.

Artist CV
Artist CV
Artist CV

Artwork Showcase

BFB 23

Acrylic on canvas

97 x 130 cm

2024

Sixty Days in Paris 02

Acrylic on canvas

60 x 60 cm

2024

Sixty Days in Paris 05

Acrylic on canvas

60 x 60 cm

2024

Art Land 08

Acrylic on canvas

162 x 227 cm

2023

BFB 18

Acrylic on canvas

112 x 162 cm

2023

BFB 19

Acrylic on canvas

80 x 80 cm

2023

BFB-S13

Acrylic on canvas

78 x 110 cm

2022

Button Flower_Green

Silkscreen

80 x 80 cm

2022

Button Flower_Orange

Silkscreen

80 x 80 cm

2022

Button Flower_Yellow

Silkscreen

80 x 80 cm

2022

BFB 23

Acrylic on canvas

97 x 130 cm

2024

Sixty Days in Paris 02

Acrylic on canvas

60 x 60 cm

2024

BFB 23

Acrylic on canvas

97 x 130 cm

2024

Sixty Days in Paris 02

Acrylic on canvas

60 x 60 cm

2024

Sixty Days in Paris 05

Acrylic on canvas

60 x 60 cm

2024

Art Land 08

Acrylic on canvas

162 x 227 cm

2023

BFB 18

Acrylic on canvas

112 x 162 cm

2023