Kazuhiro Tanimoto

Kazuhiro Tanimoto was born in 1983 in Japan, where he lives and works. He grew up fascinated by computers after seeing a Macintosh LC 520 at age ten. What began as curiosity turned into hours experimenting, first creating custom Mac OS icons, then building small games, quirky desktop animations, and his own software, which he shared online before the internet was widespread. He went on to study chemistry, drawn to the creative possibilities of working with materials, and later earned a Master of Engineering from Tokyo Metropolitan University followed by a Ph.D. in engineering from Kansai University.

Tanimoto’s work blends scientific inquiry with artistic expression, using code and technology to explore how systems evolve and to reveal hidden patterns over time. He creates his own tools and he approaches both research and art as ongoing processes shaped by experimentation, persistence, and moments of unexpected insight. His projects reveal the subtle shifts and transformations beneath the surface of what we see, making visible the often-overlooked forces that shape experience. Through this practice, he reflects on the fluid relationship between the natural and the artificial, permanence and impermanence, inviting a deeper understanding of how technology influences our perception of reality.

His work has reached audiences across the globe, from immersive shows in New York City to innovative presentations at Arizona State University and exhibitions in Tokyo. His pieces have appeared in cultural hubs like Taipei and Rio de Janeiro, as well as at the Art Blocks Gallery in Marfa, connecting diverse scenes that celebrate generative art. Being featured in the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival in Tokyo marked an important early milestone that helped define his creative journey.