Japanese Chalk Artist Ayumu Selected as Honorary Member of the Royal Society of British Artists, an Institution with Approximately 200 Years of History

The Crown Production Co., Ltd. (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) is pleased to announce that chalk artist "ayumu," supported by the company, has been selected as an Honorary Member 2026 of The Royal Society of British Artists (RBA).

This selection, recognizing Japanese chalk art expression within a British art institution with approximately 200 years of history, demonstrates new possibilities for analog expression both domestically and internationally.

Japanese Chalk Art Enters the Stage of British Royal Art Evaluation

The Crown Production Co., Ltd. announces that chalk artist "ayumu" has been selected as an Honorary Member 2026 of The Royal Society of British Artists (RBA).

The Royal Society of British Artists is a historic art organization chartered by the British Royal Family in the 19th century, bearing the title "Royal." For many years, it has conducted examinations emphasizing artistry, originality, and international recognition, and the title of Honorary Member is considered a special designation granted only to a select few artists.

This selection is significant not only because it recognizes the relatively new field of "chalk art" as a subject of international artistic evaluation, but also because it extends beyond traditional art domains such as painting and sculpture.

The recognition of handcrafted expression by a Japanese artist within the context of a historic British Royal art institution holds great potential for the future international development of Japanese art.

Unique Expression Combining Chalk Art, Kirie, and Masking Tape

Ayumu has pursued a unique artistic technique by combining chalk art with kirie (Japanese paper cutting) and masking tape.

By layering the soft gradations characteristic of chalk art, the delicate outlines of kirie, and the textures and decorative elements created by masking tape within a single work, Ayumu constructs a unique worldview that evokes depth and three-dimensionality despite being a flat surface.

While the works are primarily monochrome, the strategic use of color in key areas imbues them with narrative and emotional warmth amidst a sense of tranquility.

Furthermore, all works are individually handcrafted. The overlapping of materials, the subtle variations in lines, and the nuances in color density create expressions unique to manual craftsmanship that cannot be replicated digitally, forming a major appeal of Ayumu's art.

Work that Led to Honorary Membership Selection: "Drowning in Autumn" - Exhibited in Prague, June 2026

International Art Project "MINERVA" Expands from London to Kyoto

This selection as an Honorary Member of The Royal Society of British Artists was realized as part of activities through the international art project "MINERVA."

MINERVA is an international art project centered around the publication of art books and the holding of exhibitions, and it has been collaborating with The Royal Society of British Artists since 2015.

Ayumu is scheduled to participate in exhibitions in London, UK, and Kyoto, Japan, through this project.

Future Activity Schedule

- April 2026: Exhibition of works at Mall Galleries, London

- May 2026: Inclusion of works in the MINERVA art collection

- October 2026: Exhibition of works at The Kyoto Museum of Art, Kyoto

This project, expanding from London to Kyoto, provides an opportunity to internationally promote Japanese art expressions.

The Value of Handcrafted Expression in the Age of Generative AI

In recent years, the art creation environment has undergone significant changes due to the evolution of generative AI and digital technologies. In an era where anyone can generate visuals in a short time, the value of "one-of-a-kind" expressions created by artists' hands is gaining renewed attention.

Ayumu's works depict a unique world through the delicate layering of familiar materials such as chalk, paper, and tape, all crafted by hand.

Precisely because we live in an age of increasing efficiency and automated generation, analog expressions, where one confronts materials and shapes them over time, possess a texture and resonance that can only reside in the artwork itself.

This selection as an Honorary Member of The Royal Society of British Artists is not only a major milestone for Ayumu's personal activities but also an opportunity to internationally showcase the potential of chalk art as an expressive medium.

The Crown Production Co., Ltd. will continue to support Ayumu's activities both domestically and internationally, promoting Japanese art expressions to the world.

Ayumu's activities can be viewed on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ayumu_mayly

Company Overview

Company Name: The Crown Production Co., Ltd.

Representative: Kiyoshi Suhara, Representative Director

Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

URL: https://thecrown-pro.com/

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Company Name: R2 Inc.

Contact: Public Relations, Kikuchi

URL: https://r2-hd.com/