SEIZAN GALLERY & SEIZAN GALLERY TOKYO凸 Norio Shinoda

Norio Shinoda is one of Japan’s most prominent creators of minute pencil drawings. Upon first encounter with his works, many viewers will be at a loss to discern whether they are witnessing a photo or drawing. As their eyes dart across the entirety of the frame, they will soon find themselves mesmerized by the near-terrifying level of precision and detail.

Shinoda began his career as a self-taught oil painter before moving to work with pencil. The amount of time and passion that went into that process exceeds the limits of the imagination.

Shinoda’s artworks are more than mere sketches. Instead, they are the embodiment of the spirit, refined and condensed, found in those humans who have dedicated themselves to mastery of a particular skill.

While this exhibition focuses mainly on recent pieces, they will be presented side by side with artworks and documentary material from the past, making it something closer to a retrospective. In addition, work will also be on display at our second-floor space, SEIZAN GALLERY TOKYO凸, during the exhibition period. As Shinoda’s practice results in only a limited number of pieces, this is a rare and precious chance to see them for yourself.