Japanese by descent, Brazilian by birth, Belgium by residence, Claudia Nakayama brings to her work influences from both Japanese and Brazilian cultures. These are mediated in her art by the use of origami to create geometric shapes on surfaces where bold strokes and colors express her spontaneity and vivacity.

Important constituents of her work are traditional handmade Japanese papers, the exquisite qualities of which enhance her creativity and expand the potential range of her origami designs. This is especially true of washi, a paper celebrated for its durability and flexibility.

"In my art, I use origami to form geometric shapes or abstract concepts, seeking to make each work distinctive by incorporating some rogue element in its composition. This perhaps derives from my heritage as a Japanese having come of age as a partial outsider in Brazilian society."