“Reflecting on the relationship between them and humans—perhaps that is a moment for us humans to contemplate ourselves.” (Mika Ishihara)

Throughout history in the worlds of art and literature, animals have been anthropomorphized to satirically depict human folly or symbolically represent noble beings.

Ms. Ishihara entrusts “human life”—meticulously crafted through her artisan's dedication—to the poodle, a familiar and beloved companion to humans.

She creates a mirror-like relationship between “human life” and “dog life,” reflecting our own image and guiding viewers into a pleasant confusion.

Behind the pure eyes of the poodles living as they please, alongside a sense of familiarity toward human existence, there also seems to be a question embedded: one about the dignity of life and how we should live, in a modern society where we are swallowed by waves of information and the boundaries between self and others are crumbling.

1977 Born in Kobe City

1999 Graduated from Osaka University of Arts, Department of Crafts, Metal Crafts Course

2001 Completed Graduate School of Art Production, Osaka University of Arts

Major Solo Exhibitions

2006 Art Space Niji | Kyoto, '07, '09, '11, '14

2016 “Come Here” Note Gallery / Osaka

2017 “Let's! Raigo~” Note Gallery / Osaka

2019 “rond” Note Gallery / Osaka

2020 “Wishing for Happiness” Rokko Meets Art Related Exhibition / Rokko Garden Terrace “Horti”

2021 “How to Become a Dog” Note Gallery / Osaka

2024 “I'm Here” Note Gallery / Osaka

Major Group Exhibitions

2012 “gallerism in Tenmabashi”

2012 “Chikurinji Art Exhibition” Godaizan Chikurinji Temple / Kochi

2015 Hanaraato “Which One Shall I Choose? / Eeny, meeny, miny, moe” Ikoma Hozanji Temple, Former Wakudai Residence

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