About

Born and raised in Japan, Satomi Takayama moved to London in 2016, where her art has evolved through exposure to both Eastern and Western influences. While her work is shaped by Western art, it is primarily grounded in the principles she absorbed from traditional Japanese arts such as ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Japanese cuisine. These practices, which prioritise harmony, attention to detail, and mindful simplicity, subtly weave their way into her creations, sometimes in unexpected ways. 

Takayama was educated at Gakushuin from elementary school through university, a well-regarded private school with historical ties to Japan’s aristocracy. She was immersed in an environment that emphasised not only strict discipline and academic excellence but also a strong sense of social responsibility and tradition. Alongside this structured education, she grew up navigating Japan’s unique social expectations and unspoken rules, which often prioritised conformity and societal harmony over individual expression. In this environment, following these norms was considered the natural and expected way of life. 

It wasn’t until she moved to London that she realised how much her understanding of self-expression had been shaped by these structures. The culture of individual freedom and diversity she encountered in London was a stark contrast to what she had always known, challenging her previous notions of what was “normal.” 

The shift in perspective was both liberating and unsettling. While inspired by the newfound freedom, Takayama also struggled with feelings of inadequacy and questioned her place in this new environment. Adapting to a new culture and language left her disconnected from the identity she had formed in Japan. However, this challenge led her to a deeper exploration of self and a new direction in her art. 

Her work now focuses on themes of self-discovery and breaking free from fixed ideas. By reflecting the contrast between her structured upbringing and the freedoms she experienced abroad, her paintings express the tension between conformity and individuality.   

Takayama’s art invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with these forces, encouraging a deeper consideration of how tradition and personal freedom intersect. Today, Takayama seeks to create a space where the boundaries between old and new, East and West, and structure and freedom can be re-examined. Her journey is one of ongoing exploration—seeking not only personal liberation, but also a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural experiences that shape her work.