Art Topics

'Tadasu Takamine's Cool Japan'

Dec 20, 2012

"Tadasu Takamine's Cool Japan"

by Tomohiro Osaki

The term “Cool Japan” was recently used by the Japanese government to help boost global interest in some of the nation’s most admirable achievements, such as its altruism and pursuit of cutting-edge technology. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake last year and a spate ...

'Hakuin: The Hidden Messages of Zen Art'

Dec 20, 2012

"Hakuin: The Hidden Messages of Zen Art"

by Tomohiro Osaki

Renowned Edo Period (1603-1867) Zen Buddhist Hakuin Ekaku is best known for the role he played in reviving the Rinzai religious school after a period of decline. Hakuin spent most of his life teaching his belief, often using a unique style of calligraphic painting ...

'Hideki Nakazawa Exhibition'

Dec 6, 2012

"Hideki Nakazawa Exhibition"

by Tomohiro Osaki

A former eye doctor, artist Hideki Nakazawa takes advantage of his medical knowledge to create a colorful, slightly facetious interpretation of conceptual art. Nakazawa’s artworks explores avant-gardism and artistic profundity in such an eclectic manner that his diverse collection of works have left many ...

'MU: Pedro Costa & Rui Chafes'

Dec 6, 2012

"MU: Pedro Costa & Rui Chafes"

by Tomohiro Osaki

Film director Pedro Costa and sculptor Rui Chafes are two of Portugal’s most prominent and internationally respected artists. Costa often delivers a distinctively apocalyptic worldview, which he presents through uncharacteristically serene and aesthetic visuals. His distinct style has won him professional acclaim worldwide. Chafes ...

'Teishi Terashima: Adolescent Realism'

Nov 29, 2012

"Teishi Terashima: Adolescent Realism"

by Tomohiro Osaki

Born in 1905, Teishi Terashima lived in Moscow and Paris during his 20s, working as a socialist painter in pursuit of absolute realism. He is perhaps best known for his vivid depiction of working-class adolescent girls. Back in Japan, he collaborated with art director ...

'Nami Tsujikawa: Uncommonness Fantasy'

Nov 29, 2012

"Nami Tsujikawa: Uncommonness Fantasy"

by Tomohiro Osaki

Nami Tsujikawa is a self-taught artist whose wild and fantastical works have been described by critics as a hybrid of Western and Eastern influences. Her works reject homogeneity and use unusual mixes of ethnical elements as she pursues excessive ornateness. Tsujikawa is a typical ...