Elysha Rei is a Japanese-Australian visual artist whose work draws upon her mixed heritage and lived experiences between places, cultures and communities. Works in paper cutting, public art and murals are created from personal and historical archives which embed narrative and symbolism within a Japanese design aesthetic. As a grandchild of a Japanese War Bride, Rei’s affinity to Japanese culture stems from the need to preserve her maternal heritage and connect with her Samurai and Tea Master ancestry. Drawn to Japanese design principles and elements in nature, Rei’s works feature strong patterns and motifs that stem from research into records, scientific research and commemorating points in history. With a desire to continually challenge her practice, artist residencies and personal travel inform an important element to her continued creative development.

Her work for the public realm includes the Wilston Village Precinct Project artworks (2020), Milton Urban Common pavement installation (2019), Warwick public amenities mural (2019), Westin Hotel Restaurant Wall installation in Brisbane (2018), William Jolly Bridge Projection for Brisbane City Council (2017), Toowoomba Geisha mural on the Towooomba Regional Art Gallery (2017), a large-scale mural for Grand Central Shopping Centre on Dent Street, Toowoomba (2017), a traffic signal box titled A Daughter’s Gift, Brisbane (2016), and Artist’s Dozen installation in King George Square, Brisbane (2010).

Since completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2008, Rei has created and exhibited work, curated exhibitions and managed cultural spaces across Australia, Japan, New Zealand Thailand and the US.