
Shiro Masuyama
I've studied architecture until master degree level and my art projects therefore have been influenced by this and mainly manifest as site-specific interventions like architectures. Using my architectural background I make projects fundamentally to relate with people and society, so-called socially engaged art. I view interaction with people often brings the unexpected results. It's one of the most important process and component in completing an artwork.
Over the last 17 years I have developed my professional practice through participating in a diverse range of artist residencies worldwide including Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown (2014-2015)  ; MMCA - National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Korea, The National Art Studio Goyang, Korea (2008) ; IMMA - Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin, Ireland (2006) ; Kßnstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin, Germany (2004-2005) and ISCP - International Studio and Curatorial Programme, New York, USA (2002-2003). I am driven by a fascination and desire to develop art works in relation to how I can survive, communicate and make art outside Japan. Having settled in Belfast, Northern Ireland my practice has become far more exposed to Irish / Northern Irish culture and society as well as political conflict between them. As a result, my practice has become more performative and political in their responses due my need to understand my physical living environment.
Biography
I was born in Tokyo in 1971. I lived in Berlin, Germany from 2004 for 6 Years. Since 2010 I've been based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Since 2013 I've become a studio holder and board director of Flax Art Studios, Belfast. I hold a Masters in Architecture from Meiji University, Japan. Iâve had numerous solo exhibitions world wide including âSelf-Sufficient Lifeâ, Kyoto-ba, Kyoto, Japan (2019); âAttracting My Neighborsâ, Chiang Rai Art Museum, Thailand (2017) ; âSelf-Sufficient Lifeâ, Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown (2015) & Fotoaura Institute of Photography, Tainan, Taiwan (2015) ; âInterventionâ, Water and Sculpture Hills Ichiara Museum, Chiba, Japan (2010). Numerous group exhibitions include âNoise of Silence : Japanese Art Nowâ, Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast (2019) ; âWandering Seedsâ, National Museum of Prehistory, Tatung, Taiwan (2018) ; âCollective Histories of Northern Irish Artâ, Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast (2015) ; âAichi Triennale 2013â, Nagoya, Japan (2013). I have completed public art commissions âFive Applesâ, Ballymena (2015). I have received numerous awards including Grand Prix (Grand Prize) , The 7th 500m Museum Award, Sapporo, Japan (2019) ; Long term fellowship, Japan Foundation Asia Center, Japan (2017-2018) ; ACES Awards, Arts Council of Northern Ireland (2016) ; Individual Artist's Award, Derry-Londonderry City of Culture (2013) ; The Pollock-Krasner Foundation, New York, USA (2009) ; Japanese Government Oversea Program for Artists, Japan (2004-2005) ; Pola Art Foundation, Japan (2002- 2003).
 shiromasuyama@me.com
shiromasuyama.net
borderlineshiromasuyama.blogspot.com
5applesproject.blogspot.com
southeastasianresidencies.blogspot.com
