Kurotory

Kurotory, born in Belgium eight years to the day after JFK’s assassination, spent much of his early childhood with his grandmother, who loved pre-war black-and-white films. These movies, lacking color, left him with a deep desire to bring more vibrancy into the world, a passion that has defined his art.

While excelling in both art and science, Kurotory initially pursued a scientific career, becoming an expert in visual technology and developing several patented image-creation techniques. His work took him around the globe, including nearly two years in Japan, where he immersed himself in the culture.

In the United States, Kurotory discovered Pop Art and Op Art, drawing inspiration from artists like Andy Warhol and Victor Vasarely. This sparked a new phase in his artistic journey, where he began blending these styles with his technical expertise. He often creates serigraphs on aluminum, known for their quality and durability, and uses Op Art techniques to give his pieces a dynamic quality, changing in appearance depending on the viewer’s distance.

Kurotory’s art is rooted in popular culture, featuring iconic figures like Taylor Swift, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, and David Bowie, as well as characters from Marvel movies like Harley Quinn and the Hulk. His work balances bold colors with black and white, and he deliberately incorporates imperfections inspired by Japanese Wabi-Sabi philosophy to add depth and uniqueness.

Despite his global reach, with works displayed in over 25 countries, Kurotory remains anonymous, letting his vibrant creations speak for themselves. His name is a Japanese translation of his Flemish birth name, with a ‘Y’ added in tribute to Victor Vasarely.