The work of Ten Kashiwagi is a wild descent into Happy Chaos. This artist, who goes by his real name, found his creative spark at age 20 with a series of paintings that became a turning point. Guided by his philosophy of being seriously playful, Ten’s process is pure improvisation. He begins each piece without a plan, letting the art take shape as he draws, fueled by the hallucinations he experiences before sleep.
His style is pure hand-drawn psychedelic, a controlled explosion of intricate lines and vibrant color. He draws from the bold energy of 1960s psychedelic posters and the tradition of Japanese manga. For Ten, painting is the same as performing music, a raw, improvised act. He creates something intentionally incomprehensible, believing it’s more interesting than literal interpretation. This unique approach results in visuals that are both chaotic and meticulously crafted.
A proud moment for Ten is his first art book, “Tanoshii Konton” (Happy Chaos). He has already taken on large-scale projects, with experience painting murals and live music venue interiors. His philosophy on public art is simple: it shouldn’t be boring and should have a “creepy feel.” Ultimately, his dream is to paint every wall, floor, and ceiling in a single room, creating a fully immersive visual experience.
“Art from happy chaos”