Shiro MASUYAMA is originally from Japan. His master’s degree in architecture has influenced his art projects, which primarily take the form of site-specific architectural interventions. Using his architectural background and his Japanese identity, he makes projects that fundamentally connect people and society— so-called socially engaged art. He believes interaction with people often brings unexpected results. It’s one of the most important processes and components in completing an artwork. His work ranges from performance to sculpture, installation, photography and video.

His artistic practice has mainly developed through participating in a diverse range of artist residencies worldwide, including Stiftung Künstlerdorf Schöppingen, Germany (2023); MMCA – National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Korea, South Korea (2008); Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin, Germany (2004-2005); ISCP – International Studio and Curatorial Programme, New York, USA (2002-2003). 

He moved to Belfast after completing international residencies at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, Ireland (2006), and Flax Art Studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland (2009), and has been based there ever since. As an artist from Japan who has made their home in Northern Ireland, he is in a unique position to question how identity can be influenced by the dominant political forces surrounding us.

He has attended numerous exhibitions worldwide, including ‘BIENALSUR 2021 – The State of Things’, MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art Rosario, Argentina (2021); ‘Aichi Triennale 2013 : Awakening’, Nagoya, Japan (2013).

His residency in A. Farm is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Learn more about his works: shiromasuyama.net

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May Open Studio

May 29, 2025