Ryo Kajitani works as both artist and queer art model in Tokyo, Japan. His identity as nonbinary and asexual enriches not only his presence as a model but also resonates throughout his artistic practice. During his time at Tama Art University (2010-2014), he specialized in oil-based woodcut printmaking. In the doctoral program (2016-2019), he studied under the late MOTOE Kunio (art historian, 1948-2019) and Nakamura Yutaka (cultural anthropologist). His research focused on implementing the ontological aesthetics method in exhibition spaces with the artistic activities therein and proposed tentative logical models based on Heidegger’s art theory. After graduating, he returned to work as an art model and graphic designer in Tokyo. His experience in art modeling and knowledge of woodblock printmaking techniques converge in his current photographic practice. His work combines analog photography and computational methods using Python libraries. Recent exhibitions and awards include the Montage Award at Meta Morph AI Film Awards, participation in “AI AI AI International Group Invitational” at WESSLING Contemporary (formerly Radian Gallery), and recognition at the Asian Digital Art Award FUKUOKA. He also uses his experience of being assaulted to provide international humanitarian aid and support orphans and others who wish to reintegrate into society.
