An ongoing blog series offering insights into the international art market through my own eyes. A journey that began in Japan, continued through Europe and Scandinavia, and concluded in New York. This recent exploration delved into art galleries, museums, artists' studios, and private art collections.
In early May of 2024, I landed at Narita Airport and took a train into Tokyo, where my journey through the art world began. Having already visited Japan, it was comforting to start the trip in a place I knew well and genuinely enjoyed.
In Tokyo, I had the opportunity to visit The National Art Center where I viewed artwork from over a hundred Japanese artists in The 110th Anniversary Kofukai Exhibition 2024, presented by the Kofukai Art Association. Until this visit, I was not familiar with the Kofukai Art Association, but I was delighted to come across an exhibition featuring both emerging and established artists from all over Japan.
The two expansive halls showcased approximately 800 works, including pieces from members, associates, and the general public. The exhibition offered a diverse selection of Japan’s signature artwork, spanning traditional styles and mediums as well as experimental and contemporary forms in both visual and ceramic art, which I particularly appreciated.
I had anticipated visiting this museum since the early stages of planning my trip, long before arriving in Japan. The National Art Center, Tokyo is an architectural masterpiece in its own right, and finally stepping into the building was an experience I had looked forward to for years. Exploring the exhibition halls, browsing the gift shop and bookstore, and immersing myself in The 110th Anniversary Kofukai Exhibition 2024 made for a perfect introduction to Japanese art and artists.
During one of my early days in Shinagawa, I spent an afternoon visiting the artist Baru Samikoyasu in Chuo City, where she gave me a private tour of her art collection. Meeting Baru in person was well worth the trip. She has a warm yet powerful energy that exudes deep confidence and a strong feminine presence, which, to me, felt quite rare in Japan.
During our visit, I not only had the chance to see her latest collection of visual art, but she also presented a well-organized booklet showcasing her extensive body of work spanning many years. It included murals displayed throughout Japan in both public and private spaces, previous exhibitions, images of sold artwork, and a detailed background of her accomplishments, including interviews with various art related media companies and art programs she developed for both children and adults.
To me, the artwork carried a profound spiritual connotation, reflecting deep internal understanding while expressing that insight in a powerful, playful, and almost rebellious way. It possesses a strong presence with vivid depth and clarity, yet remains colorful, whimsical, and fluid. Through our conversation, I learned that the intention behind its creation did not stem from a spiritual practice. Instead, it arose from a more spontaneous, action-driven process, with designs and the act of creation emerging purely from an empty, thought-free mindset fully immersed in the creative act.
I was deeply impressed by her artwork, and I’m very much looking forward to collaborating with her in the near future.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but by the time I left Japan, it had become clear that Baru’s artwork truly stands out with a unique style, distinct from what was being showcased in the art galleries.
Baru is one of the few artists in Japan that I’ve personally come across who excites me with the potential of her career, and I hope to support her directly or indirectly through S7CAG. I also really enjoyed how she shares and embodies her artwork—from her car painted in her unique style to the numerous murals she has created, as well as her dresses and kimonos designed with her art. She significantly impacts the community by teaching art to not only children and students but adults as well. What truly stood out to me was her confidence in her professional approach to being an artist and in embodying that intention. Since visiting Baru, Sector Seven Contemporary Art Gallery (S7CAG) has acquired one of her artworks, and a goal is to expand this collection in the near future, exhibiting her work both domestically and internationally.
The following day, Baru and I had a casual visit to the bronze Great Buddha of Kamakura, located in the Kanto area. Our early dinner that afternoon marked the beginning of my journey, as I would soon be left alone in Japan to travel and continue the rest of my trip.
I thank you for joining me on these journeys. Writing these blogs helps me solidify what I’ve learned, define my future goals and direction, and provide an outlet to share important highlights along the journey in the art world. I hope you find value in reading these blogs. Stay connected as the series rolls out under the title "The Road to Rome."