January 28, 2026 – April 15, 2026
Valencia Public Library, 23743 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355
The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to present “I’m a Part of Nature,” a solo exhibition by Keiji Ichikawa, on view at the Valencia Library (23743 Valencia Boulevard) now through Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on humanity’s deep connection to the natural world through expressive, color-driven paintings inspired by lived experience and observation.
“I’m a Part of Nature” features a series of recent acrylic works that interpret real landscapes through emotion, memory and sensory perception rather than literal realism. Keiji’s paintings are rooted in the belief that humans do not own nature, but belong to it—a philosophy shaped by his childhood in Tokyo during a period of heavy pollution and reinforced through a lifetime of travel and artistic exploration. Drawing from sketches and photographs made on-site, Keiji allows color, intuition and his “six senses” to guide each composition, resulting in works that balance structure with abstraction.
Born in Japan and later living in Paris before settling in Southern California, Keiji brings a global perspective to his practice. Influenced by his parents’ work as traditional kimono artisans, he uses a limited palette of primary colors to build layered, expressive scenes. Often including a small painted self-figure within each work, Keiji invites viewers into the space of the painting, encouraging contemplation and personal connection.
Website: www.atelierkeiji.com
Social Media: @atelierkeiji
