About

Nao Kondo is a multidisciplinary artist whose work navigates the intersection of art, technology, and human-nature interaction. She received Master of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute, NY, and received a B.A. in Environment & Information Studies focused on computer science from Keio University, Japan. Nao's background is as diverse as her projects, from music videos to ceramics and robotics. She has been exploring human-robot communication. The underwater penguin robot project “TRYBOTS” (2013-2018) that she led has been exhibited and hosted workshops in several museums in Japan such as the Hamamatsu Science Museum, TEPIA Technology Museum, and Misawa Aviation Science Museum. She also has her character brand, Usagiduck, selling children’s books and merchandise at the San Jose and New York local art markets. She received several grants and awards such as the Masason Foundation Scholarship(2019-present) and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia(2016) recognition.

Statement

What does the world look like from a non-human point of view? I’m always amazed by unique organisms and the habits of other species, and I wonder how they feel and what they think about the world.

My artwork shows a fantastical and whimsical world where different beings—humans, nature, and technology—merge. My childhood experiences influenced on my art practice, growing up with a pet robot dog and with pet small animals, also by Japanese anime, in which different beings such as animals, robots, and spiritual beings are often portrayed as equal characters to humans. I am also inspired by the Shinto belief that there are multiple gods for every other thing.

These experiences contributed to my vision that all beings are equally valued and have the right to exist on the same terms. My philosophy is a challenge to environmental destruction, discrimination, and prejudice in our anthropocentric and hierarchical society.

nao.kondo1224 @ gmail.com

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