Ryoko Adachi: Merging Science and Poetry in Artist Books
Ryoko Adachi, a Tokyo-based book artist, creates works that transform natural and scientific phenomena into tactile, visual experiences. Her artist books, including 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and 'Language of Shape,' were featured at the SVMA's 'Book Becoming Art' exhibition in 2024 and at CODEX in 2025. Adachi's practice draws from her background in graphic design and studies under German artist Ulrike Stoltz. Her books explore themes of symbiosis, perception, and the boundaries between self and other, often inspired by crystal growth and microorganisms. Notable works include 'Vowel Bugs,' a two-year project using Karel Čapek's satirical text, and the ongoing 'Sinn(e) Sammeln' series (since 2003), which uses beeswax-soaked pages. Adachi employs diverse techniques like digital printing, letterpress, lithography, and silkscreen. Her works are held in numerous public collections and presented at book fairs and solo exhibitions.
Key facts
- Ryoko Adachi is a book artist based in Tokyo.
- Her work 'Jack and the Beanstalk' was shown at SVMA's 'Book Becoming Art' exhibition in 2024.
- She studied under German artist Ulrike Stoltz.
- Her ongoing 'Sinn(e) Sammeln' series began in 2003.
- 'Vowel Bugs' took two years to complete and uses Karel Čapek's text.
- She uses techniques including digital printing, letterpress, lithography, and silkscreen.
- Her works are held in numerous public collections.
- Adachi's practice is inspired by crystal growth and microorganisms.
Entities
Artists
- Ryoko Adachi
- Ulrike Stoltz
- Torahiko Terada
- Ukichiro Nakaya
- Karel Čapek
- Josef Čapek
Institutions
- SVMA (Sonoma Valley Museum of Art)
- CODEX
- Lenscratch
- Gallery SAOH & TOMOS
Locations
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Germany