MATSUYAMA Tomokazu: Fictional Landscape

The Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art will present an exhibition by contemporary artist MATSUYAMA Tomokazu as its Autumn/Winter program for 2023, from Friday, October 27, 2023, to Sunday, March 17, 2024. The exhibition will be the artist’s first large-scale solo showing in Japan. 

MATSUYAMA Tomokazu (1976 -) is a New York-based artist known for blending boldness with delicacy. This unique fusion is evident in his vibrant paintings marked by intricate lines, as well as in the large-scale public art sculptures he creates. Drawing inspiration from a plethora of sources, Matsuyama incorporates elements from traditional Japanese, Chinese, and European paintings, snippets from fashion magazines, everyday consumer products, and recognizable logos. Though these images permeate modern society and might feel familiar, they aren't typically associated with one another. However, when integrated into Matsuyama’s artwork, they evoke deep-seated memories, as if disparate fragments from the recesses of the mind have converged to form a coherent whole. 

Matsuyama's diverse life experiences have deeply informed and enriched his work. Born in Gifu, an area renowned for its rich nature and historical heritage, he was exposed to West Coast street culture in the United States during his boyhood. Upon returning to Japan, he pursued studies in economics. In his twenties, he initially followed an athletic path before pivoting to design. Throughout his journey, Matsuyama has consistently engaged with the world's multifaceted diversity, often viewed through the lens of opposites, spanning from traditional culture to contemporary counterculture. 

The exhibition, "MATSUYAMA Tomokazu: Fictional Landscape," showcases Matsuyama's artistic evolution and sophistication. It places a spotlight on his recent works, produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and introduces new pieces to the public for the first time. This event in Hirosaki, a city known for embracing new cultures, offers a unique opportunity to see the artist in a fresh perspective.