Shinji Himeno was born in Tokushima, Japan in 1966 and has been living and working in Berlin since 1997. Well-known for his finely focused craftsmanship, Himeno incorporates historical influences and contemporary dilemmas into his monumental oil paintings with an egg tempera underdrawing. His works explore religion and mythology, without concrete motives that fall along the lines of magical realism. Himeno brings in contemporary feelings and motivations with classical painting methods, drawing on techniques from the masters of the Renaissance, like Michelangelo, Pontormo and Bronzino.

For more than two decades, Himeno has been exhibiting his work throughout Europe. Early in his career, Himeno had an opportunity to share his work with Werner Tübke, a master in classical painting, who encouraged him to continue his studies in Europe. His works can be found in The Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, Austria as well as in the Städel Museum in Frankfurt, Germany. Himeno studied at the Academy of Visual Arts in Leipzig, Germany and then at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, Austria under the renowned Arik Brauer.