Able Art x Tabio
ABLE ART COMPANY was established in 2007 to empower society by people with disabilities, who have a space to create paintings and artworks.
The designs are unique paintings, humorous illustrations, and passionate calligraphy. By creating a system that makes it easy for people of all communities to create artworks and use them as designs. Through art and design, Able Art is a recognised non-profit organisation (NPO) that aims to create a society where everyone can live their own lives.
Sales from the collection will be donated to Able Art to support disabled persons in the creative sector. This year marks the 16th anniversary of the collaboration with Able Art.
Keiko Yamada
Born in 1986, she is based in Fukuoka Prefecture. Since 2010 she creates her work from her studio in Taga. Lively, outgoing, and endlessly talkative, she brings a sociable energy to everything she does even while painting, her conversation flows as freely as her brush. Her vibrant, playful style gives her work a sense of movement, making each piece feel alive, and it’s exciting to imagine how her art will continue to develop in the years ahead.
Ao Moriyama
Born in 1984, she began drawing at the age of three and later went on to study design at university. She enjoys working with her hands, creating items such as pouches and pencil cases. A comment from her high school art school has stayed with her: “Your form isn’t quite there yet, but the colours are helping it along.” While she recognises the importance of form, she strives to create paintings distinguished by their engaging and harmonious use of colour.
Yukio Ishii
Born in 1980 and based in Fukuoka Prefecture, they have been a member of Kobo Maru since 2010. They graduated from the Japanese Painting course at Nara College of Arts in 2006. Shortly after beginning work, they returned home to recover from illness.
In 2009, moved alone to Fukuoka to begin their creative practice there. Their illustrations have been used in children’s books and official merchandise for the Fukuoka Soft Bank Hawks.
