Kiki Matsumoto
I paint to explore identity, freedom, and the balance between structure and spontaneity. My work is influenced by my Japanese heritage, my background in linguistics, and the landscapes of the mountains where I live. I’m drawn to color, movement, and contrast—blending fluid, organic forms with more structured elements.
Because I have aphantasia, I don’t have the ability to visualize images, so my process is entirely intuitive. I start with colors and let the work emerge, following instinct rather than preconception. I create large scale, playful abstracts to explore form, movement, and composition. The result is often unexpected—balancing playfulness with calm, and structure with openness. Each piece is a practice in flexibility, allowing the painting to evolve without rigid expectations. This process allows me to engage with the work in a way that is open-ended and responsive, rather than planned.
I have always felt like an outsider, split between cultures, belonging everywhere and nowhere. The first time I heard the phrase, “let your freak flag fly,” I realized that I had permission to embrace my individuality rather than trying to conform. That spirit of unfiltered self-expression lives in my work. My paintings are an invitation to live loudly, to question what is considered normal, and to find joy in authenticity.
Art, for me, is a way to connect—with myself, with others, and with the broader themes of identity and self-expression. I hope my work encourages people to embrace authenticity, challenge limiting expectations, and find beauty in the process of discovery.