Thank you to everyone who applied to the 2023 String Art Contest.
After a rigorous screening process, the winning entries have been selected.
The results of the review will be announced here.

(Click here for the application page and contest overview)

The first Grand Prix winner has been decided

The first String Art Contest 2023 will have the theme "String art using thread and nails."
A total of 22 works were awarded prizes, including 8 in the adult category and 14 in the children's category.
We judged the entries not only on their string art technique, but also on their originality, whether they made people want to tell others about their work, and whether they could sense the concept and passion behind the work.

Title of work: There is somethingArtist: Thread-maker Rainbow Flower-Iroha

Title: Kabuki Author: Sasanomori

Comment on the work: I wanted to create a Japanese piece that has a striking and eye-catching design, like Kabuki kumadori, that people from overseas can enjoy and be interested in.
Judges' comments: This is a work with a unique concept and originality. The use of Kabuki design is interesting and the background treatment is exquisite.

Title of work: Whirlpool Author: Misa Kuwano

Comments on the work: I wanted to create a vivid, three-dimensional swirl that would immediately catch the eye of people who see the threading for the first time, so I threaded the yarn at a high density.
Judges' comments: A work that exudes spirit. You can sense the movement of the vortex within the vivid colors.

Title: Sparkle in the night sky Author: rio	Title of work: new ripple Author: chihoko.m
Title: Kohama Island Author: Marron	Title of work: Reindeer waiting for a Happy New Year Author: Otokoto Neko
Title of work: Star Clock Author: amato

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Title of work: Flapping crane Author: sei

Comments on the work: I've only ever seen cranes flapping their wings on TV and on my smartphone, but I love the way they fly, and I wanted to see the real thing someday, so I chose this theme. The clever thing about this project is that I used four similar colors for the shadows.
Judges' comments: This is a dynamic piece that looks as if it is moving. The threads are woven freely without being bound by any particular style. I was really impressed by how the eyelets are sticking out. The shape of the crane is magnificent. The use of threads of different thicknesses gives this piece a sense of artistry.

Title of work: The Blue Bird of Happiness
Author: Miwatchi

Comments on the work: I changed the color of the beak and legs to make it look more bird-like. I didn't string the outside to create a three-dimensional effect. I used black nails for the eyes.

Judge's comments: The bird is beautifully detailed and adorable. The lack of borders is also a good idea. The use of colors is excellent.

Title of work: Cute dog Artist: MOON18

Comment on the work: I tried my best to make this so that it would make people's hearts feel kind when they look at it.
Judges' comments: This is a work with a warmth. Just as the comment said, it makes you feel kind when you look at it. The fluffy feeling of the dog is well expressed. The round eyes are also cute.

Title of work: Rainbow and Sun Author: STAR13	Title of work: Core Author: Shusei
Title: MapleArtist: Koki	Title: Chick Author: Jiyong
Title of work: Amusement Park Author: Mion

Title of work: Bicycle Author: Koga	Title of work: Carp streamer Artist: Reyong
Title of work: Heart cake Artist: Akina Makino	Title of work: Shining Diamond Artist: Asahi
Title of work: MapleArtist: Ren

Title of work: Flapping crane Author: sei
(Grand Prize Winner)

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This was our first string art contest, so it was a new challenge for us.

Although we received many applications, we still felt that we could have made our project known to a wider range of people.

We hope that this event will enable more people to share the charm and wonder of string art through their own works, and that it will provide a forum for exhibitions, and that it will be an opportunity for those who are unfamiliar with string art to make new discoveries.

Thank you very much to everyone who participated.
And congratulations to the award winners!

The winners will be contacted by email at a later date.

A second string art contest is planned for 2024.

We will make the contest easy to participate in, so we look forward to receiving your original submissions.

January 2024

Wakai Sangyo Co., Ltd. String Art Contest Management Team