Graphic artist Sora Aota opens a new phase of his practice with “Me,” his first exhibition dedicated to hand-painted works. Presented at Mysha Gallery, the show brings together acrylic paintings created through a process that embraces unpredictability. The drying speed of the paint, subtle shifts in color, and the texture of the canvas all become active forces that guide each piece, allowing the images to grow beyond intention.

These new works are displayed together with the digital visuals that established Aota’s reputation at a young age. He first gained global attention when he created an album cover for Young Thug that reached number one on the United States Billboard chart. Since then, he has collaborated with artists including Juice WRLD, Doja Cat, XG, Number_i, Vingo, Lex, and Lana, developing a style that blends fantasy with structural precision.

A central presence within the exhibition is Kenny, Aota’s original character. Based on the idea of an oni yet softened into a gentle, introspective figure, Kenny embodies quiet strength and emotional vulnerability. Through Kenny, Aota expresses inner feelings and narratives that are difficult to put into words, giving the character a steady emotional pulse across both his digital and painted work.

The exhibition also introduces the second series of official Kenny goods: a new edition of the 3D keyholder titled “Which Kenny?”. Offered in five colors, including one secret variation, the keyholders are sold in blind-box format and priced at ¥4,200 (tax included), adding a collectible element to the experience.

“Me” runs at Mysha Gallery with free admission, offering visitors the chance to encounter Aota’s shift from digital expression to the tactile world of painting, where chance and materiality become the foundation for a new way of working.