JR CHUO features on WEGO Japan in Yonehara Yasumasa’s art video series.

2026

JR CHUO’s latest exhibition ‘System of Escape’ at The Gallery Omotesando in Tokyo features in Aoyama Design Forum’s magazine.

Aoyama Design Forum (ADF) is a Tokyo-based nonprofit organization founded in 2009 that supports the development of design education and culture. By sharing design-related information and connecting with organizations and individuals in Japan and abroad, ADF creates networks that encourage collaboration, learning, and cultural exchange within the design community.

2025

‘What makes CHUO compelling is not just his craft or his message, but the soft certainty with which he combines the two. He understands that art holds its own form of responsibility. His work doesn’t attempt to solve the crisis alone, but it chooses not to look away. In a world overwhelmed with information, he takes one blade and one sheet of paper at a time, revealing what is still worth saving.

The coral crisis continues, but so does his cutting. His studio remains a small echo of the ocean, one where light, patience and intention shape stories the way reefs once shaped coastlines. If you stand before one of his pieces long enough, you feel the pull of the sea. You feel its quiet warning. And somehow, through the intricacy of the paper, you feel its hope too.’

2025

JR CHUO’s new exhibition ‘System of Escape’ chosen by Omoharareal editors as ‘Editor’s Pick’ for November events in Harajuku and Omotesando, Tokyo.

2025

JR CHUO’s current Tokyo solo exhibition, ‘ System of Escape’ features in Tokyo Art Beat magazine.

2025

JR CHUO discusses his inspirations, new work and insight into his latest exhibition at The Gallery Omotesando.

This conversation is in Japanese.

2025

Japanese interview discussing CHUO’s work so far and upcoming exhibition at The Gallery Omotesando in Tokyo.

2025

JR CHUO’s latest collection, ‘Mini CHUO Lines’ features in the April/May Issue of Aesthetica Magazine.

2025

JR CHUO’s work, include his latest collection ‘Mini CHUO lines’, features in the March 2025 issue of Art Market Magazine.

Explore the 14-page spread filled with beautiful images and details about the inspirations behind his latest work.

2025

JR CHUO has created 75 bespoke hand-cut ‘Ginza Rush Hour’ artworks for most of the suites at the newly-opened luxury Palm House Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.

JR CHUO designed the works to reflect Palm Beach’s coral colours and vibrant creative atmosphere.

‘Every detail of your stay from our lush tropical Sunset pool deck to the intimate Palm House Dining Room and Palm Bar and our grand presidential suites are meticulously personalized to our guests' desires. Palm House stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the island, as it becomes a beacon for future generations.’ - Palm House Hotel website.

2025

JR CHUO’s works feature on art platform Cohart’s weekly list of top artworks, as selected by their curators.

2024

JR CHUO features in issue 16 of Al-Tiba9 magazine.

‘He strives to highlight pressing social and environmental issues through his work. The impact of climate change on coral reefs is a central theme as he seeks to raise awareness and inspire action to protect these vital ecosystems.’

22nd October 2024

JR CHUO features on NHK TV Japan’s show ‘Buzz English’, with the presenters explaining his work, inspiration from Japanese tradition, and Forbes feature.

24th September 2024

At age 19, JR CHUO is one of the youngest Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe Honorees.

JR CHUO features in the ‘Youngest’ special category alongside tennis player Emma Raducanu, musician Griff, and Tiktok star Khabane (Khaby) Lane.

JR CHUO talks to All Things Paper about what he has been working on recently and his current plans having graduated from Cambridge University a few weeks ago.

All Things Paper is a popular art site focusing on paper art in all its facets.

6th August 2024

A Japanese interview with JR CHUO features in Canbespace magazine.

The interview covers aspects of JR CHUO’s personal interests and hobbies that all have their own unique impact on his artwork.

8th December 2023

‘JR CHUO from the UK draws inspiration from coral reefs. He replicates them in his elaborately cut scissor art to build awareness about the dangers they face. Rising ocean temperatures put their very existence at risk.’

28th January 2023

‘Mini CHUO Reef: Next Stop Nakameguro’ features in Suffolk Magazine’s July 2022 Issue with artEast 2022.

23rd July 2022

JR CHUO is interviewed live from Lisbon on Rádio Observador on the show ‘Convidado Extra’ with João Paulo Sacadura.

18th July 2022

JR CHUO features in the ‘Names and News’ section of the German Zeit Sprachen Magazine’s June 2022 edition.

The magazine reads: ‘If we could see how beautiful coral reefs were, perhaps we would do more to save them. That’s what paper-cut artist JR CHUO, aged 19, believes. He uses some of the money he gets from selling what he described to the BBC as “abstracted interpretations of coral reefs” to replace damaged reefs. A University of Cambridge student, CHUO uses traditional Japanese techniques to create his artworks, which are made of up to 20,000 hand-cut shapes and take weeks, months or even years to complete.’

29th June 2022

JR CHUO features on the Quantastic Youtube channel with over 3.4 million subscribers.

To date, the video has been viewed over 700,000 times.

17th June 2022

JR CHUO has been selected as the ‘Fair Director’s Pick’ for The Other Art Fair in King’s Cross London in July 2022.

15th June 2022

JR CHUO’s interview with Aesthetica Magazine features in the ‘Aesthetica Artists’ Spotlight’, a ‘moving, curated platform of those shaping the industry today.’

The interviews ‘offer a gateway to boundary-pushing practices and innovative modes of thought.’

31st May 2022

‘Shinjuku’ features in the June 2022 edition of Tatler Magazine in the ‘Tatler Curates’ section.

31st May 2022

‘The 19-year-old was placed in two categories by Forbes magazine’

‘Joseph Vasconcelos Reed, known as JR CHUO, started creating paper cut artworks inspired by the bleaching of coral reefs.’

30th May 2022

JR CHUO features in Sapo News Portugal.

‘In the category dedicated to arts and culture, JR CHUO features as the youngest personality chosen by Forbes.’

‘Måneskin, the Italian band who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, Tiktoker Khaby Lame, Sam Fender, Griff, Simon Ashley, Tom Misch and the actor Edvin Ryding are also part of the “30 Under 30 Europe 2022” list.’

30th May 2022

‘To promote lifestyle changes for the protection of the planet, JR CHUO creates works of paper inspired by coral bleaching. At 19 years of age, he is the youngest personality in the ‘Arts and Culture’ list of Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 Europe 2022.’

‘It all began at school, seven years ago, when Joseph Vasconcelos Reed learnt about the bleaching of coral reefs.’

29th May 2022

‘JR CHUO: is a young British-Portuguese contemporary paper cut artist, featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, 2022. Ise Katagami, a Japanese craft of making stencils, which inspires the work of the artist JR CHUO, whose work examines society’s façades that conceal harsh realities, with a particular focus on climate change’s effects on coral reefs.’

19th May 2022

‘A Trinity Hall undergraduate has been featured in the Forbes list (30 under 30, art and culture) for his incredible artwork. Going by the name JR CHUO, Joseph works using delicate paper cutting techniques and is inspired by coral reefs. We spoke to the 19-year-old academic about his work and studies.’

11th May 2022

"It's given me an amazing platform to share my message and to really catalyse my movement"

‘JR CHUO has been using traditional Japanese paper cutting techniques to create art work he hopes will save coral reefs!’

11th May 2022

‘JR CHUO, 19, is the youngest person to be included on the arts and culture list.’

“A lot of my work is inspired by coral, coral bleaching, and the impacts of climate change on coral reefs,” JR explained.

“I want to be able to transmit that message to the viewer of the importance of environmental protection.“

“I recently partnered with an environmental NGO called 'Coralive,’ and a percentage of my revenue from sales now funds the placement of a number of corals in the ocean.“

10th May 2022

JR CHUO features on Buzzfeed Nifty in the ‘Buzzfeed Spotlight’.

The video contains some of JR CHUO’s social media content and interesting facts about the artist.

7th May 2022

‘JR CHUO, 19, from Suffolk, sells his creations and uses some of the money to replace reefs damaged by coral bleaching and to raise awareness of climate change.

The University of Cambridge student's pieces, inspired by coral, consist of 2,000 to 20,000 hand-cut shapes and take anything from two weeks to several years to finish.

He said: "When someone sees my work, I hope that they can have an appreciation for the beauty of coral and learn something about the impacts of climate change on our coral reefs."

7th May 2022

JR CHUO discusses his inspirations, climate action, and making Forbes 30 Under 30 on the BBC Look East news channel.

5th May 2022

JR CHUO has been selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2022 list in the ‘Art & Culture’ category alongside some of Europe’s leading young changemakers.

The list features 30 young people ‘creating and designing the future of fashion and the arts.’

This list’s judges were Anne-Sophie Pic, Amar Singh and Guillaume (Saype) Legros.

Handbook Costa Smeralda presents JR CHUO’s work alongside a biography and artwork descriptions.

4th May 2022

JR CHUO shares his work with Power of Positivity, a platform boasting over 7 million Instagram followers and 33 million Facebook followers.

In the video, JR CHUO talks about the art of paper cutting and how he uses his work to help coral restoration efforts around the world.

30th April 2022

JR CHUO has been chosen as a ‘Recommended Artist’ by Brazil-based ‘Universidade do Papel’ (University of Paper).

CHUO’s work has featured across Universidade do Papel’s social media pages in Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and Chile with a combined following of over 40,000.

24th April 2022

As a Gold List award-winning artist, JR CHUO’s work features in Artexpo New York (4th-7th April 2022) with Art Market Magazine.

4th April 2022

‘Shinjuku’ features in Tatler Magazine’s March 2022 issue in the ‘Tatler Curates’ collection.

20th March 2022

JR CHUO features in the Spring Issue of Art Seen Magazine by London art curator Gita Joshi.

‘Art Seen, The Curator’s Salon Magazine, showcases some of the most talented contemporary artists to know right now, from painters, sculptors, and printmakers to collage artists working today.’

JR CHUO has partnered with Swiss-based environmental NGO ‘Coralive’ to support their coral restoration work around the world.

Coralive is currently building one of the world’s largest coral nurseries.

Some of the profits made from sales of JR CHUO artworks will be donated to Coralive and every sold artwork will plant a coral in the ocean.

‘Fluoro Pink Shibuya’ features in Queen’s College Cambridge’s ‘Catharsis Print’ magazine.

16th March 2022

JR CHUO will speak at the University of Cambridge’s largest arts festival, Queen’s Arts Festival, on the 8th March 2022.

The panel is titled ‘Strategies for Art Content Creation’ and JR CHUO will discuss how he has used social media to share his art and message with millions across world.

23rd February 2022

‘This week, discover an artwork you love by one of our top up-and-coming international artists, hand-selected by our Chief Curator Rebecca Wilson.’

14th February 2022

Al-Tiba9 Contemporary Art Magazine interviews JR CHUO.

In this exclusive interview, JR CHUO talks about a range of topics, ranging from his background, artistic career and opinions concerning the future of creative industries.

28th January 2022

JR CHUO has been selected by Singulart’s curators to be a featured artist on their platform.

18th January 2022

‘Fluoro Purple Reef’ has been selected for the ‘Tatler Curates’ page of Tatler Magazine’s February 2022 edition.

6th January 2022

JR CHUO speaks on The Flying Fruit Bowl podcast, a platform dedicated to the ‘exploration and discussion of art and the creative process through interviews with a wide range of artists from around the world.’

28th December 2021

JR CHUO has been selected by The Flying Fruit Bowl art platform as one of the 10 artists to watch in 2022.

19th December 2021

JR CHUO speaks on his meditative art form and how he balances his artistic passion with university life in Head Above The Clouds Magazine Issue 6.

‘Head Above The Clouds is a media company specifically focusing on mental health as well as culture. A few of our ventures include publications; HATC Magazine, Productions, Events and Campaigns.’

‘As a media platform we prioritise the most truthful means of artistic expression within our culture, focusing on art forms from across the board to ensure our readers can find escapism between their daily trials and tribulations.’

14th December 2021

An article titled ‘JR CHUO: Abstract Organic Forms’ features in Art Market International Art Magazine’s ‘In the spot light’ journal.

This article explains JR CHUO’s process and helps to contextualise his work.

12th December 2021

‘Fluoro Pink Shibuya’ has been selected for the ‘Tatler Curates’ page of Tatler Magazine’s January 2022 edition.

4th December 2021

'Mini CHUO Reef: Next Stop Shimokitazawa' has been selected for The Other Art Fair’s first seasonal Gift Guide alongside 19 original artworks.

24th November 2021

'Mini CHUO Reef: Next Stop Mitaka’ features in the ‘Make Your Home Different’ Saatchi Art collection.

15th November 2021

JR CHUO’s largest paper cut piece, ‘Shinjuku’ features in the latest issue of Cambridge’s BAIT Magazine, titled ‘Wonder’.

5th November 2021

‘Mini CHUO Reef: Next Stop Koenji’, ‘Mini CHUO Reef: Next Stop Mitaka’ and ‘Mini CHUO Reef: Next Stop Nakameguro’ all feature in the new ‘Brooklyn Expo’ Saatchi Art collection of artworks under $500.

2nd November 2021

‘Fluoro Pink Shibuya’ features in the ‘Abstraction’ Saatchi Art collection of unique artworks for The Other Art Fair Virtual Edition.

27th October 2021

‘Shinjuku’ features in the new ‘Bright and Vibrant’ Saatchi Art collection alongside a range of vibrant artworks.

25th October 2021

Design & Paper have published a fascinating article about JR CHUO and his work.

On Design & Paper, you can find ‘carefully curated content featuring designers, illustrators, creatives and artists, information on upcoming industry trends, and hot new paper designs, printing and finishing tips as well as events from the paper world. We also share insights directly from leading professionals: interviews with paper manufacturers, designers, artists and printers, confessions from the paper world.’

‘UK-based JR CHUO is a young 19-year old contemporary paper cut and spray paint artist who’s fast gaining recognition. CHUO’s work explores “the notion of facades in society that conceal harsh realities”, through incredibly delicate, precisely hand-cut lace-like pieces that easily capture anyone’s attention with their mere beauty. Despite the artist’s young age, he has explored and perfected his skills and technique for years now and does not shy away from bigger issues, such as climate change and coral bleaching, winning him the praise and interest of the art world. The bold, sometimes fluorescent color schemes in CHUO’s work have an alien, or an under the water feel or an other-worldly dimension.’

21st October 2021

JR CHUO features in the 6th edition of Art Market Magazine’s GOLD LIST publication of the top contemporary artists working today.

The GOLD LIST is a ‘groundbreaking publication with worldwide distribution in digital and print, to bookstores, universities and academic libraries, galleries and museums, and with unique distribution at the prestigious Florence Biennale Art Event (23-30 October 2021) and at Artexpo NY (April 2022).

17th October 2021

JR CHUO features in Los Angeles based Art for All Magazine, alongside a range of fascinating artists. Learn more about the inspiration behind some of JR CHUO’s work.

‘We started this crowdsourced digital magazine to support all the art forms and artists, big or small, young or old, inspire more people to make art, put spotlight on all of the artists, provide them a platform to tell their story, showcase their amazing artwork, collaborate with other artists and give admirers a platform to admire, collect or commission art.’

15th October 2021

An article about JR CHUO’s work features in the Portuguese art magazine, Revista Perfaz.

‘Perfaz magazine was created with the purpose of boosting culture and improving society.

A magazine that, in addition to informing, is a platform on which art can be exhibited and propagated. Independently, we want to make new artists known and show other facets of those who are already known.’

Explore the range of fascinating articles and contemporary topics discussed in the 4th issue of the magazine

14th October 2021

‘Tozai Rush Hour Red Dot’ features in the new ‘Brilliant Blue’ Saatchi Art collection of artworks by artists taking part in The Other Art Fair’s upcoming Global Edition.

10th October 2021

‘The Flying Fruit Bowl is a platform dedicated to the discussion and exploration of art and the creative process.’

‘Through artist features and interviews, we aim to inspire and engage conversation around what it means to be an artist in this contemporary society.’

9th October 2021

JR CHUO’s newest artwork, ‘Roppongi Reef’, features in Aesthetica Magazine Issue 103.

‘A moving, curated platform of those shaping the industry today, each Directory runs concurrently in our bi-monthly magazine, including print and combined digital profiles that offer a gateway to boundary-pushing practices and innovative modes of thought.’

‘What does it mean to be engaged? What does it mean to be bold? What does it mean to be different? These questions underpin this issue of Aesthetica. Inside this edition we take a look at work that is both self-reflexive and outward facing. Thomas Wrede’s Glaciers project looks at retreating ice in the Alps – and how Swiss glaciers are dying, in particular, the Rhône glacier, which has retreated by 150m between 2011 and 2016.’

1st October 2021

‘Today’s episode is called ‘Thriving Through Art’. I am extremely thrilled to talk to JR CHUO who is an internationally renowned paper cut and spray paint artist whose inspiration comes from nature and the colors of the coral! He is based in the UK and talks to us today about his journey as an artist and the long process of paper cutting which he describes as a meditative process.’

24th September 2021

Check out JR CHUO’s feature on page 16 of the catalogue.

‘The Tokyo International Art Fair, now in its 6th edition, is organised by MACA DMCC (also known as the Global Art Agency/GAA). The event is set at the Belle Salle exhibition hall in the middle of Roppongi - famous for the affluent Roppongi Hills, Mori Contemporary Art Museum and popular art scene of Tokyo.’

23rd September 2021

‘Discover Painters, Photographers and Sculptors creating original works of art from the United Kingdom.’

14th September 2021

An in-depth and beautifully-written article about JR CHUO features in the Japanese paper cutting website, ‘Everyone’s Paper Cutting Exhibition’ (みんなの切り絵展).

Check out the insightful articles and learn all about the world of paper cutting!

10th September 2021

JR CHUO is interviewed by award-winning London-based artist advisory, Image Curators Artist Advisory.

‘I often find that the longer the paper cut piece takes, the more depth and emotion I am able to capture within the designs.’

‘Each individual brings a unique perspective to the world and this should be reflected in art. The boundaries of art are limitless and, as artists, we should aim to challenge them with our work.’

25th August 2021

JR CHUO has been selected for Art Folio 2022 - ‘A curated collection of the world’s most exciting artists’.

Art Folio is an annual publication from the USA, which is ‘sold in the mass market through all major bookstores, museum gift shops, and art galleries that sell books. Copies are also sent to many leading art galleries, art consultants, curators, and art collectors to maximize exposure for the artists featured in the book.’

20th August 2021

The ‘Modern Art is Rubbish’ podcast talks about JR CHUO’s work on display at The Other Art Fair in London in their latest episode, titled ‘Other Art Ep76’.

The hosts describe CHUO’s work as ‘timeless’ and ‘visually impactful’.

12th August 2021

A new article about JR CHUO’s work has been published in the Italian Juliet Art Magazine.

‘Despite his young age, CHUO can be described as a master of paper cutting and spray painting due to the technical detail and aesthetic maturity of his works.’

‘The artist communicates a message of trust in the possibilities of redemption of humanity, which will soon be forced to choose between a more equitable orientation of world politics and self-destruction. And it is precisely this deep emotional and ethical sharing of JR CHUO in the themes of our present that makes his projects so expressive and exciting.’

12th August 2021

JR CHUO has been invited to exhibit his work in Milan during Milan Fashion Week and Milan Design Week Fuorisalone 2021, at M.A.D.S. Art Gallery from the 9th to the 24th September 2021.

5th August 2021

Both ‘Mini CHUO Reef 2’ and ‘Mini CHUO Reef 7’ have been featured in the curated ‘Take a Dip’ Saatchi Art collection.

This is ‘a refreshing collection of artwork by The Other Art Fair London July Exhibitors.’

29th July 2021

‘Mini CHUO Reef 11’ features on the cover of the latest issue of Art Reveal Magazine. There is also an in-depth interview with JR CHUO from page 28 to page 33, where CHUO explains some of the inspiration behind his work and the process.

20th July 2021

An article about JR CHUO’s inspiration and work has been featured in the Israeli Art Market Magazine.

20th July 2021

‘Discover and buy from a handpicked selection of the best emerging and independent artists from across the world. The Other Art Fair London – delivered to you.’

13th July 2021

JR CHUO will be exhibiting some new large-scale pieces at one of Japan’s largest art fairs, the Tokyo International Art Fair, in October 2021.

11th July 2021

‘The Other Art Fair is back showcasing some of the most talented independent artists working today. Discover a new favorite in this collection of Fair highlights put together by Saatchi Art’s expert curators.’

This striking fluorescent piece from the original ‘Paper Cuts in Perspex’ collection, launched in September 2020, has been featured in Saatchi Art’s new ‘Shaping the Way’ collection of 12 unique artworks.

Discover JR CHUO’s studio and sketchbooks in this exciting collaboration with Saatchi Art’s The Other Art Fair.

The photos and videos from the collaboration have been shared across The Other Art Fair’s social media pages.

30th June 2021

Watch JR CHUO talk about his work and process in this video for the The Other Art Fair’s Virtual Editions, July 2021.

28th June 2021

One of CHUO’s most recent paper cut pieces has been selected alongside 32 striking contemporary artworks for Saatchi Art’s new ‘Optical Art’ collection.

Learn more about the inspiration behind CHUO’s work and his future goals in this fascinating interview with Arts Illustrated.

26th March 2021