Femininity redefined: Isabelle Kawai Vincent’s bold art showcase

By Jaci Hicken

Jun 16, 2025

Isabelle Kawai Vincent is showcasing a unique exhibition celebrating femininity at The Foundry Art Space until June 29. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Artist Isabelle Kawai Vincent is showcasing her unique exhibition that celebrates femininity through a fusion of Western and Asian art techniques at The Foundry Art Space until June 29.

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“I did the artwork in Tokyo last year and I just wanted to celebrate everything about being female,” Ms Vincent, who draws inspiration from her mixed heritage, said.

“I am half Japanese as my mum is Japanese.

“When I was growing up, my cousins from Japan used to send me these lovely little dolls, which I have got a little bit of a collection of.”

The exhibition features a character named Kimiko, inspired by traditional Ichimatsu Japanese dolls.

“The girl is actually, I’ve invented a little girl called Kimiko and she is not being the petite, quite Japanese girl that she should be,” Ms Vincent said.

“She is probably based on me as a child.

“When I was a child, I was a bit of a tomboy, so Kimiko is climbing up bamboo trees, hanging upside down, having a wee behind the bamboo forest.”

The exhibition also explores feminine divinity through Greek goddesses, including Hera and Gaia, using bold Sumi-e ink lines.

“We have got here that God is a woman and she is a bit of a diva,” Ms Vincent said.

“She is striding along like, ‘don’t mess with me’ kind of attitude.”

The artwork incorporates ancient Kodaimoji script, developed over 3000 years ago in China, to depict childbirth experiences.

Ms Vincent combines traditional Sumi-e ink techniques with acrylic paint and collage to create her distinctive style.