b. 1986, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia | Lives and works on Yaggera and Turrabul Land, Magandjin (Brisbane), Australia

Elysha Rei is a Japanese-Australian artist whose intricate paper-based works explores the intersections of memory, identity, and belonging through the language of paper. Specializing in highly detailed hand-cut designs and large-scale site-specific installations, Rei transforms single sheets of paper into layered stories, bridging cultural histories with contemporary practice. Over the past two decades, her work has been commissioned, exhibited, and collected both nationally and internationally.

Rei’s practice spans private commissions, large-scale public artworks, and museum collections, with notable projects for Brisbane Quarter in partnership with Asia Pacific Triennial art QAGOMA (2025), PUNQ Festival (2024), the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto (2023), BrisAsia Festival (2023, 2016), QIC Toowoomba (2017), Brisbane City Council (2020, 2018, 2016), and Warwick Regional Council (2019). Her recent participation in the International Paper Biennale Global Papier 6 in Germany (2024) has further solidified her place in the global paper art scene.

With a Bachelor of Visual Arts (2008) and an MBA (2018), Rei is currently pursuing a PhD at Queensland University of Technology, where her research investigates how Nikkei Australian identity and history are archived through contemporary paper-cutting practice.

Rei has undertaken prestigious residencies including at Brisbane Powerhouse (2023), the global research project Past Wrongs Future Choices in Canada (2023), Tiffany & Co. Brisbane City (2022), Artspace Mackay (2020), an Asialink Arts Creative Exchange in Japan (2018), and she was the inaugural artist in residence at Museum of Brisbane (2017). Her works are held in significant collections such as the The Shayher Group, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, Brisbane City Council, QIC, The Westin Brisbane, Warwick Regional Council, and The Japanese House in Ingham.

A recognized leader in the arts and Japanese Australian community, Rei was appointed the inaugural Chair of Nikkei Australia (2022). She has also played a key role in supporting emerging artists and cross-cultural exchanges through her continued work with Flying Arts Alliance, along with founding Sam Rit Residency in Thailand (2014) and co-founding the artist-run initiative Made Creative Space Toowoomba (2011–2013).

Rei is currently open to new commissions, exhibitions, and collaborations that challenge the materiality of paper, engage with cultural histories, and create transformative public and private art experiences. Please use the contact form to make an enquiry.

Profile photo: PixelPunk