A Painter’s vision of the Art of Kintsugi
                                                   by Rajul Shah

I am an international artist inspired by the desire to find spiritual peace. Having spent many years in healthcare, I have witnessed strong connections between emotional and physical well-being and believe in the importance of sharing positive energy. I create escapes that offer a healing, meditative experience.

The Japanese art of kintsugi is a physical manifestation of resilience. Its purpose is to “repair,” and it emphasizes the beauty and utility of breaks and imperfections. Traditionally kintsugi is applied to pottery; my artworks are 2D representations of this concept.

My fascination with the art of kintsugi started with a ceramic/porcelain brush stand I bought while in Hong Kong. I had it shipped to my residence in Japan, but it arrived broken in a few places. Following the advice of my Nihonga-sensei, I asked a fellow classmate who was experienced in kintsukeroi if she would be able to mend it for me. She did a beautiful job, and I now own a very distinct piece of art, which is on loving display in my home.

Like most of the world, I suddenly had ample time for reflection as we quarantined ourselves due to COVID. I couldn’t help but wonder if the virus was Mother Nature’s answer to consequences of climate change.  How many times do we hear scientists theorize as the planet warms? Opportunities exist for new viruses and bacteria to thrive. 
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I had quite a few unfinished artworks sitting in my studio waiting for me to gain inspiration to revisit them. I thought about the planet and my hope for its resilience, then had the idea of translating the concept of kintsugi into a 2-dimensional representation of healing the Earth from climate change.

These concepts are applied using a variety of media and materials, such as oil, nihonga, acrylic, gold/silver leaf, paper and other textural compounds. 

Kintsugi Earth II
Acrylic, Canvas & 23kt Gold Leaf on Wood, 2020
5th place for Abstract Expressionism in the 2020 American Art Awards

The art of kintsugi is represented in a 2-dimensional depiction of the planet healing from climate change.

After choosing a painting from my unfinished pile, I cut up the canvas and proceeded to re-position it as part of artworks that highlighted the concept of Kintsugi.  

Kintsugi Sky II
​Oil on Canvas, 2021
Lightning is the silver kintsugi that “repairs” the sky after climate change.

Kintsugi Pond I
Acrylic & 23kt Gold Leaf on Wood, 2021
 A pond and its Koi are repaired with the Art of Kintsugi after climate change.


Until now, my Kintsugi series has focused on a planet mended from climate change, but I am beginning to work on a new series that uses the concept of Kintsugi to highlight healing from disease and illness. On some level, each of us is recovering from something – whether it be an illness, the loss of a loved one, personal trauma, or otherwise.

There is a collective need for healing.
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Anahata I
The Kintsugi Body
Acrylic, Washi Paper & 23kt Gold Leaf on Canvas

​“Once I overcame breast cancer, I wasn’t afraid of anything anymore.” - Melissa Etheridge

Rajul Shah is an international award-winning artist whose work has been displayed at the National Art Center, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Ueno No Mori Museum in Tokyo. She has exhibited her work in Tokyo, Singapore and Mumbai. After living in Japan for nearly 8 years, She now lives in Singapore with her family.

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