Exhibitions

The Nihonga paintings of Yoji Kumagai are known for their carefully assembled compositions, skillful brushwork, and delicate colors.

This is the artist’s first exhibition at SEIZAN GALLERY TOKYO凸 and it will function as a culmination of his daily research efforts to this point.

Come see the results of one artist’s whole-hearted, stoic pursuit of his craft.

 

Japanese Garden
2024
h72.7×w100 cm
Natural pigment and other materials mounted on Japanese paper

 

If a unique “singularity” can be achieved within the space of a painting’s frame, the remaining blank space is rendered “empty”. By the same token, if multiple “singularities” co-exist, “gaps” are created between such areas of “emptiness.”

This brings into question the very definition of Nihonga. These days, we have reached the point where the definition can be freely interpreted, and expanded upon, by each and every artist. As a Nihonga artist myself, it is natural that I too must hold my own interpretation, but at times, this can also feel like a fate that has been thrust upon me. To address this, I have experimented with ways to realize the above three elements, “singularities,” “emptiness,” and “gaps,” within the surface of the painting.

Japanese culture is both simple and complex, and rather than think with one’s head, I believe it is better understood by assimilation. It is that aspect which makes it so fluid and difficult to unravel. But I also believe that if you can approach the challenge with a playful state of mind, the pleasures it offers are unrivaled.

07/06/2024(fri) -  19/06/2024(wed)

11:00-17:00
※ Open by appointment only on Saturdays.
※ Closed on Sundays and holidays.

Please contact us from here for appointment and any further enquiries.