Rising Hope
Acrylic on Canvas
60w x 60h in
AJ Oishi (b. 1971) is a self-taught painter known for her distinctive approach to abstract pointillism. A Seattle native, Oishi spent much of her professional career in roles demanding precision, organization, and analytical thinking. These skills seamlessly translated into her painting practice, where meticulous techniques and careful control are harmonized with her innate sense of color. The result is a body of work characterized by balance, intricacy, and an almost mathematical attention to detail, drawing the viewer into a world of vibrant, textured compositions.
Rooted in a deep fascination with color, geometry, and the artistic process, Oishi’s work is meticulously crafted with paint on the eraser side of a #2 pencil using a pointillist technique. By adding thousands of tiny dots and carefully selecting color combinations, Oishi creates a meditative visual experience. The choice of a tool which is traditionally used to remove something is particularly poignant as the circular patterns formed evoke moments of pause and heightened awareness. The hypnotic quality of these forms draws the viewer in, offering a sense of respite and introspection.
Oishi has enjoyed participating in shows in San Francisco, New York, Miami, Vancouver, Park City, Dallas, Kennebunk, and Boston, and is represented by fine art galleries throughout North America. Her work can be found in several private and corporate art collections.
Photo courtesy of the aritst.
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Photo Courtesy of the Artist
ELECTED EXHIBITIONS, ART FAIRS, AND AUCTIONS
2025 UPCOMING SHOWS
Kostuik Gallery, Showing with Matt Shlian, Vancouver, BC
Avant Art Gallery, Houston, TX
2024
SBFA- SF Art Fair, San Francisco, CA
Julie Nester Gallery, “Primavera” Group Show, Park City, UT
KW Contemporary, Affordable Art Fair, New York, NY
KW Contemporary, Holiday Open House, Kennebunk, ME
BWFA- Gallery Opening, Dallas, TX
2023
Avant-Art Gallery, Group Show, Houston, TX
Christopher Martin Gallery, Group Show, Dallas, TX
The Columbus Art Museum, Art for Life, Columbus, OH
KW Contemporary, “Summertide” Group Show, Kennebunk, ME
Kostuik Gallery, Annual Silent Art Auction, Vancouver, BC Canada
2022
Christopher Martin Gallery, “Emiko Collection” Group Show, Dallas, TX
Kostuik Gallery, Annual Silent Art Auction, Vancouver, BC Canada
KW Contemporary, “The Table” Group Show, Kennebunk, ME
Kostuik Gallery, 25th Anniversary Group Show, Vancouver, BC Canada
2021
Simon Breitbard Fine Arts, Art Miami, Miami FL
The Columbus Art Museum, Art for Life, Columbus, OH
KW Contemporary, “Looking Inward” Solo Show, Kennebunk, ME
2020
Jennifer Kostuik Gallery, Annual Silent Art Auction, Vancouver, BC Canada
Lyons Wier Gallery, “Chrysalistasis” Group Show, New York, NY
The Columbus Art Museum, An Evening with Art, Columbus, OH
Julie Nester Gallery, Showing with Matt Devine, Park City, UT
2019
Kostuik Gallery, Annual Silent Art Auction, Vancouver, BC Canada
Root Division, 18th Annual Art Auction, San Francisco, CA
Gallery BOM, Art Market Hamptons, Hamptons, NY
Kostuik Gallery, Group Show, Vancouver, BC Canada
2018
Gallery BOM, “Consistency”, Solo Exhibition, Boston, MA
The Columbus Art Museum, Art for Life, Columbus, OH
Gallery BOM, Art Market Hamptons, Hamptons, NY
Simon Breitbard Fine Arts, Art Market San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Decorator Showcase, “Eyes on Hue” Exterior Mural, San Francisco, CA
LymeLight Foundation, Dart for Art Auction, San Francisco, CA
The Columbus Art Museum, An Evening with Art, Columbus, OH
2017
Gallery BOM, Expansion Group Exhibition, Boston, MA
Julie Nester Gallery, Tranquility Group Exhibition, Park City, UT
2016
Simon Breitbard Fine Arts, Art Market San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 2015
Karen Imperial Fine Art, Art Market Art on Paper, New York, NY
2014
Simon Breitbard Fine Arts, Art Silicon Valley, San Mateo, CA
Headlands Center for the Arts, Benefit Art Auction, Sausalito, CA
Bryant Street Gallery, “Essence Within” Solo Show, Palo Alto, CA
2013
Greater Columbus Arts Council, Community Arts Project, Columbus, OH
Bryant Street Gallery, Aqua Art Miami, Miami, FL
2012
Simon Breitbard Fine Arts, San Francisco Fine Arts Fair, San Francisco, CA
2011
Simon Breitbard Fine Arts, San Francisco Fine Arts Fair, San Francisco, CA
2010
Simon Breitbard Fine Arts, Aqua Art Miami, Miami, FL
Greater Columbus Arts Council, Community Arts Juried Exhibition, Columbus, OH
Greater Columbus Arts Council, Community Arts Festival, Columbus, OH
Stephanie Breitbard Fine Arts, Affordable Art Fair New York, New York, NY
ArtSpan, Benefit Art Show and Auction, San Francisco, CA
2009
Workspace Limited, San Francisco Open Studios, San Francisco, CA
2008
Greater Columbus Arts Council, Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus, OH
ArtSpan, Benefit Art Show and Auction, San Francisco, CA
2007
The Blue Studio, Open Studio, San Francisco, CA
