YUKIKO ABE KRUITHOF

Exhibition Dates : 29 July - 10 August 2025
Opening Reception : Wed 30 July 2025, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Look Close and Look Within

I often find myself giving undivided attention to an object or the scenery before me — exactly as it is in that particular moment. I feel this visceral connection and hear a quiet whisper — a longing to be seen intimately, without any label, context, or relativity to others.
I have always been captivated by fleeting details all around me, whether natural or man-made. Noticing such life’s impermanent qualities invites a sense of neutrality and inner spaciousness.
I worked with a generous amount of water on the surface for this series. I let the pigments spread freely, yet with intention. It blurs the boundaries between the subject and its surroundings, including myself.
My process is slow and one-off — there is no amending. It demands that I be extremely present and focused. Yet, it is almost addictive.
Though grounded in reference, each work was also painted intuitively. With much respect and appreciation for nature and life

Yukiko Abe-Kruithof is a visual artist based in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia. Primarily utilizing the translucency of watercolour, her practice spans painting, line drawing, and papercutting. Born and raised in Tokyo, and having migrated to Australia as an adult, she has long served as a bridge between cultures and perspectives through both her professional and personal roles. Deeply inspired by the intimate connection she feels with her subjects, her work reflects the quiet beauty of everyday life and its impermanence. Her work has been exhibited at the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne and in group shows across various galleries and public venues.