Midori Furze is a Japanese contemporary artist based in Sydney. She is known for her diverse artistic skills, including canvas painting, Sumi-e, origami and paper art. Her unique approach to art reflects a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese techniques and modern creativity. As an active member of the local art community, Midori has been invited to conduct origami workshops at many places including the Art Gallery of NSW.

Born in Japan, her early years were immersed in the traditions of Japanese culture, with many of her family members being masters of disciplines including calligraphy, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Noh dancing and traditional musical instruments, such as koto, shamisen & shakuhachi.

Her fascination towards music, literature and people gives her endless inspiration. She paints her dreams and concepts of love and music on her canvases. She also creates unique origami artwork. Her work is held in private and corporate collections in the UK, Europe, the USA, South America, Japan and Australia.

“The new series by Midori Furze combines words and art plus English and Japanese culture – what a feat! The explanation is joyous as it the mark making. Confidence is imbued in each painting. Explore the layers as they are filled – with love.”

— Rachel Carroll, Curator, Manly Art Gallery & Museum, 2015

In 2010 Midori started an origami project, “Fold with Love”.  Midori specialises in origami projects with community participation, origami installations, demonstrations and workshops. Her workshops were held at numerous venues, such as the Art Gallery of NSW, the Australian Museum, Powerhouse Museum, Hazelhurst Art Centre, Manly Art Gallery & Museum and Japan Foundation Sydney.

In 2016, Midori was awarded by the Consulate General of Japan, Sydney as a part of the 40th anniversary of the Australia-Japan Friendship Treaty. She has been invited to run origami workshops for the Japanese Embassy in Canberra in 2017 and the Japanese Embassy in Tonga in 2019. Her Origami Koi Fish Project has been welcomed at many venues.
In 2022, she received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Award for her long-time contribution to the promotion of origami art and Japan-Australia cultural exchange.

Midori is a Premium Plus member of the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA), a committee member of Primrose Paper Arts and a committee member of Sydney Origami Inc. She has been a community ambassador for the Art Gallery of NSW since 2019.  She was a member of the art advisory group at the Warringah Council between 2015 and 2017.  She was a judge at the Japan Foundation video competition in 2020.

Hardworking, enthusiastic and resourceful, she is also available for event decorations and origami workshops.