about

Koosuke IRKT Ikeda was born in US and raised in several countries such as UK,
Japan and France. Since 2004, he resides and works in New York City.

IRKT (I-ru-ku-to)(Individual Relative K(C)ontradiction Theory is my conceptual design for artistry, logo and project name to pursue my creations.
My interest arises out of the desire to pursue the concept of the self, exposing the contradictions, which exist internally and externally. A journey to find myself has continued since I was a child. Having lived in 3 different continents America, Europe and Asia, I have always been asking who am I? and what is my identity? I was confused with nationality, ethnicity and myself (in the name of identity). Wherever I was, I could not embrace myself.

The meaning of the number "3" is not only 3 continents but also 3 essentially different views of the individual in my artwork: Subjective view of myself; Objective view of myself and the I that is recognized by a third party. The viewer of my artworks will notice 3; distinctive colors, objects or triangle shapes. These 3 points are expressed differently in my each artwork. For example, Bunny Mask person is trying to analyze the "self" objectively but cannot find the perfect answer for it. Usually, there is a gap between the you who think who you are and the you who are thought to be. I believe that what you think and what others think are all piece of your self like a jigsaw puzzle. If there are 100 friends of yours, there will be 100 different "you"s will exist.

This is not to suggest that this concept results in a seemingly perfect relationship. There are always times when one confronts conflicts that arise either from externally or internally derived dilemmas. As long as it is the individual or "self" which is to be considered, there is more than one way to come to terms with what is behind this discord. There is a moment in which to absorb the matter as it seems to be, and one in which to shift it into the category of "contradiction" where it can take the form as respect, understanding or even careless regard for consequences. All have both positive an negative attributes, each serving as a fundamental, building block of an individual's character. This is the "Relativity" that exists within the "self" and becomes the basis of self-made identity.

I bring an overlooked third element to my artwork, expressed through the individual’s mind their values, and creative energies. In a world described through dichotomy, the purpose behind my artwork is to focus on finding and describing the "vagueness", which exists in these contradictions and in the mind of person. The concept of "contradiction" possesses considerable energy and exists between each of these elements. I am interested in discovering and exposing the individual or "self" that lies beyond these various contradictions, and to ascertain piece-by-piece elements that define one's raison d'e^tre.

biography

2011/9/26-10/5"Con Artist Collective Group Show", New York, NY
Group Exhibition

2011/8/30-9/27"Best of Fall", Housing Works, New York, NY
Window designed curated Shields & Company interior design

2011/8/11-9/10"IRKT", MIDOMA, New York, NY
Solo Exhibition

2011/5/23 "The Supper Club", THE BASEMENT Art Organization, Brighton, UK
Group Exhibition

2011/5/5-5/7 "Design On A Dime", Housing Works, New York, NY
50 of the world's top interior designers benefit event

2011/4/8 "Love Save JAPAN", New York, NY
a fund-raising event art event

2011/3 Greenpoint Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
Group Exhibition Curator: Shawn James

2011/2/25-3/6 "J_ART", Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Brooklyn, NY
Group Exhibition Curator: Hiro Shiraishi (Pepper's Project Gallery)

2010 "Love The Material in NY", Voos furniture, Brooklyn, NY
Group Exhibition Curator: Hiro Shiraishi (Peppers Project Gallery)

"Koosuke IRKT Ikeda", SUBDIVISION Venue, Long Island City, NY
Solo Exhibition

2009 DUNE LIVING SOHO, New York, NY
Permanent Exhibition

"KOOSUKE IKEDA AND DOUGLAS KINSEY", F.U.E.L.COLLECTION, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibition for Two Curator: Jennifer Yaron

2008 "Memento Mori", F.U.E.L. COLLECTION, Philadelphia, PA
Group exhibition Curator: Jennifer Yaron

2007 "INDIVIDUAL RELATIVE K(C)ONTRADICTION THEORY", MIDOMA Salon & Gallery, New York, NY
Solo Exhibition Curator: Marianna Ranieri

2006 MARION (Fashion Show) SOHO, NY
Incorporated Show with a fashion designer "MAGDALENA MARCENARO"
Urban Couture Collaboration

2003 "Koosuke Ikeda Solo Exhibition", Gallery Ono, Ginza, Tokyo (JAPAN)
Solo Exhibition