Oneesan: Sophie Rose Walters Explores Geisha Culture
Step into the world of Sophie Rose Walters, where line, pattern, and colour become a lens into centuries of tradition, ritual, and feminine strength. Her latest collection, Oneesan (pronounced Oh-Nay-San) meaning “Sister” in Japanese, is a three-part exploration of Geisha culture, a journey from apprentice to master, from youthful potential to quiet authority.
Each piece in the series is a meditation on discipline, artistry, and mentorship. Walters’ process is as thoughtful as the subjects she depicts. Using heavy body acrylics and Posca pens, she builds layers of texture, depth, and symbolism, blending bold, dramatic strokes with delicate detail. Recurring motifs, the moon, chrysanthemums, and traditional textile patterns, weave through the series, anchoring the work in Japanese culture while giving it a contemporary edge.
Oneesan invites viewers to go beyond surface assumptions. A Maiko is depicted in introspective, soft blues and floral highlights, representing youthful promise and the beginning of a path steeped in rigorous learning. The fully qualified Geisha radiates power, grace, and mastery, her posture, vibrant palette, and intricate adornments conveying years of dedication. The senior Oneesan, the pinnacle of the Geisha hierarchy, embodies wisdom, mentorship, and cultural authority. Here, Walters even introduces green into her palette for the first time, a symbol of growth and maturity, anchored by strong contrasts and bold textures.
Walters’ fascination with Japanese art is self-taught, grounded in research, and fuelled by a love for poetic and theatrical imagery. She draws inspiration from historical works, but her interpretations are personal and contemporary, blending cultural homage with artistic innovation. In every brushstroke and line, there is both reverence and discovery, a celebration of women’s resilience, artistry, and the quiet strength of tradition.
Oneesan is more than a visual series, it’s an invitation to witness, learn, and reflect. Walters doesn’t just depict beauty; she illuminates the complexity of cultural practice, the subtle hierarchies of mentorship, and the dignity of roles often misunderstood or romanticised. Bold, layered, and meticulous, this collection is an ode to the women who lived these lives, and to the artistry that sustains it.
Experience the journey of the Maiko, the Geisha, and the Oneesan. Let yourself be moved by pattern, colour, and history.
