Hiro, “In Flow”

Hiro, “In Flow”
April 18th – May 17th, 2026

Haven Gallery is honored to present Japan based artist, Hiro, for her debut solo show at the gallery entitled “In Flow“.  “In Flow” hosts a collection of six elegantly executed works of the Nihonga style, with a focus on allegorical portraits of idyllic sitters using flowing lines, strokes and color. The natural flow of the elements serves as a navigation of fluid hair, veils and flowers, as Hiro’s females become one with these foundations of nature. The connection to the natural world, both visually and internally, dance off the paper, and glimmer with the artists graceful use of mineral pigments, creating further movement and life. Each portrait breathes through Hiro’s opulent technique, reconnecting the viewer with the untamable elements and fluidity of nature.

About Hiro

HIRO studied traditional Nihonga (Japanese painting) techniques at university, and exhibited her work at Nitten (The Japan Fine Arts Exhibition), one of the most prestigious art exhibitions in Japan, during her studies.

In Nihonga, the process begins with a series of preparatory drawings̶ starting from initial sketches, followed by increasingly refined studies̶ before the final painting is executed.

Because the materials and techniques do not easily allow for revision, the image is carefully developed and reworked through these stages in advance. This process reflects a core aspect of Nihonga: an approach in which the artist refines an inner vision through repetition, gradually moving toward a final point of resolution.

While grounded in this traditional process, HIRO incorporates digital tools as a means of responding to her constantly evolving ideas and imagery.

As HIRO explains,

“I have never been able to complete a work exactly as planned. The image I begin with quickly feels outdated once I start painting, creating a strong impulse to transform forms, colors, and motifs as I work. ”

For HIRO, digital tools provide a flexible way to respond directly to her evolving thoughts in real time.

The final works are all unique, hand-painted Nihonga pieces created by HIRO herself.