Bio
Yusuke “Hancho” Kenshin (YHK) Seki is a multidisciplinary artist working at the intersection of art and medicine. His practice focuses on translating abstract medical and emotional concepts -- such as DEI, healing, hormones, and human care -- into visual stories that are clear, welcoming, and designed to improve hospital environments.
Born in Shenzhen and raised between Tokyo and San Francisco, Yusuke has navigated cultures and languages through art from an early age. Growing up trilingual and constantly in motion, "self acceptance" became his earliest and most essential form of healing. This experience continues to shape a practice that embraces the whimsical, the eccentric, and the freedom to move between styles depending on context.
At the core of his practice is healing through clay. Working with the material is grounding for him, and the act of touch plays a key role in his own healing process. Clay’s physical presence and slowness allow space for reflection.
Alongside this, he uses digital mediums to create quick, pop style works that translate thoughts and ideas rapidly when needed.
Working through gentle humor, cute character scenes, and narrative environments, Yusuke hopes to create moments of healing and quiet companionship that help reduce medical provider's burnout and support DEI education through a positive, engaging lens, making care settings feel more human for both staff and patients.
**Y.H.K.（ユウスケ・ハンチョウ・ケンシン）**は、サンフランシスコと東京を行き来するクィア・アーティスト。
深圳に生まれ、福岡とベイエリアで育つ。
中国語・日本語・英語のどれもが完全な「母語」とは言えず、その漂うような感覚が、想像的で官能的、時にユーモラスなビジュアル表現を生み出している。
アカデミー・オブ・アート大学でイラストレーションとグラフィックデザインを学び、
キャンバスの上に粘土を重ねて立体的な質感を生み出す独自の技法と、
デジタルメディア、エポキシ樹脂を融合させながら、「生きるとは何か」「感じるとは何か」「属するとは何か」という静かな哲学を描いている。
Shows & Projects
2025
“Miami Beach RX” - Special Art Exhibition
ACCME-affiliated Endocrinology Conference, JW Mariott, Miami, USA.
A digital mini-series of playful homage to endocrinology. Set within a retro-futuristic, neon-dream Miami Beach.
2025
“In Good Hands”
Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA
An exhibition celebrating diversity, care, and inclusion within medical spaces. Created for the launch of the Patient Outreach and Belonging Center, visualizing DEI concepts for broader clinical understanding in a positive and supportive way.
2025
“Atmosphere”
San Francisco, USA
Inspired by the film Interstellar (2014), this outer-space desert series reflects our deep longing for love and connection in the midst of a vast, cold desert.
2024
“Vibe”
San Francisco, USA
A digital series of candy-colored San Francisco where bright neon color brings a little lift and a sense of hope. The world is always expanding; I keep adding small details and new citizens as the playful series evolves.
2023
“Chesana Mori no Tea Party” Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Born in grandma's garden during lockdown, Chesana Odisan (little uncles), are whimsical imaginary creatures. The exhibition explores shared amusement, humor and playful absurdity.
2021
“Urban Solitude”
Nishiwaseda, Tokyo, Japan
Neo-anime style mixed-media hand--illustrations
exploring healing through nostalgia, soft melancholy, and the quiet world of wabi-sabi.
2026
Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA (Upcoming).
Working with the Neurology department, this project will continue my interest in search of the role art can play in healing the mind.
Education
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Academy of Art University, San Francisco
• Continued fine arts studies at City College of San Francisco
Community Engagement / Philanthropy
• 2025-present
Weekly involvement at Creative Explored San Francisco (a nonprofit art studio and gallery serving neurodiverse and developmentally disabled artists). Helping out every Saturdays in this community entirely changed the way I see art.
• 2025 — Donated “Frida”, mixed media, to the National Hispanic Medical Association silent auction, supporting the growth and mentorship of Latino physicians in the United States.
• 2025 — Contributed "Untitled", mixed media, to an AMA member’s silent auction benefiting health equity.