Soka Art is proud to announce the upcoming solo exhibition TODAY by renowned Japanese artist Yuya Hashizume, which will be on view from September 28 to October 26, 2024. The exhibition will officially open on September 28 at 4:00 PM, with a special appearance by the artist in Tainan to meet collectors and distinguished guests from Taiwan. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to join an exclusive artist-led tour on the opening day, for which advance registration is encouraged.  Yuya Hashizume has gained widespread acclaim in recent years for his work, which draws heavily on elements from Japanese manga and video game culture. His signature series, eyewater, capturing the instant a tear falls, quickly earned him recognition in the art world. In 2023, Hashizume introduced the Explorer series, which explores the artist's relationship with nature and centers on the theme of "endless exploration." These works reflect his distinct creative style and rich narrative approach. The TODAY exhibition will feature a fresh evolution of eyewater, offering insights into the artist’s deeper thoughts and expressing his creative journey and current state of mind.

Born in Okayama, Japan, in 1983, Hashizume has been teaching himself illustration and design with a passion about art and creativity since childhood. Though he did not formally study art, his talent led him to a career in the design department of a major brand, before he transitioned to practice art full-time driven by his passion for creation. Hashizume’s work features techniques reminiscent of Japanese animation, with monochromatic backgrounds that highlight “super flat” anime characters. Influenced by manga legends, such as Fujiko Fujio and Osamu Tezuka, Hashizume has developed a vibrant and visually arresting style that has cemented his place in contemporary Asian art. His work has been exhibited in Japan, Thailand, Korea, China, the UK, and beyond, garnering admiration from collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide and receiving significant attention at international art fairs.

In Japanese, the characters for “today” (今日) also signifies "now" (今), embodying the artist's concept of the present as an eternal moment. With this exhibition, Hashizume aims to break free from creative boundaries and continue pushing himself. Throughout his career, he has drawn inspiration from local cultures and histories during his exhibitions in Asia, incorporating these elements into his art. For TODAY, the artist integrates Japanese cultural motifs. In the work, eyewater and swallows, the character is depicted seated for the first time. In Japanese culture, swallows symbolize good luck and blessings, and it is believed that their nests bring fortune to households. The exchange of glances between the character and the swallow reflects a poignant moment of reluctant farewell. Another notable work, eyewater flower_ver.sakura, features cherry blossoms, a symbol of new beginnings and the fleeting nature of life in Japanese art and literature. The figure, dressed in a peach-colored kimono with her hair elegantly tied up, gazes directly at the viewer, evoking a distinct Japanese aesthetic. The contrasting warm and cool tones of the background suggest the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing renewal.

Yuya Hashizume｜eyewater and swallows

2024｜Acrylic on Canvas｜116.7×91cm

Yuya Hashizume｜eyewater flower_ver.sakura

2024｜Acrylic on Canvas｜72.7×53cm

The solo exhibition, TODAY, by acclaimed Japanese artist Yuya Hashizume will be on view at Soka Art Tainan from September 28 (Sat.) to October 26 (Sat.), 2024. The exhibition’s opening reception will be held on September 28 at 4:00 PM, with the artist himself in attendance to offer an exclusive guided tour.  As a special treat for opening day guests, a limited-edition exhibition catalog, personally signed by the artist, will be available. Attendees will also have the opportunity for direct exchange with the artist. We warmly invite all esteemed guests to join us for this exciting event.