Tomokazu Matsuyama spent his childhood in both Japan and America, and is now based in New York, which would explain his interest in multiculturalism. His eclectic mix of influences has led to an equally diverse range of styles in his work, which includes mixed media sculptures as well as these wonderfully bright paintings.
His upcoming show, ‘The Future is Always Bright’ both honours traditional Buddhist themes and deals with them in a satirical way, with a mix of work that also includes site-specific installations.
We particularly like his intense acrylic paintings. They make such an impact with their colliding shapes, colours and textures. There’s an almost stencilled feel in parts where different applications of paint have been contained in blocked-out areas and set against other opposing elements.
You can catch the upcoming show at the Frey Norris gallery in California from 3rd of May to the 30th of June.
“Tomokazu Matsuyama grew up in both Costa Mesa, California and the town of Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
His sense of cultural displacement and nomadic living has served as a keystone to the creation of his artwork ever since, fusing cowboy American optimism and the exquisite craftsmanship and bushido work ethic he learned by completing a graduate degree in business management. “
“He has completed commissions for Burton snowboards, Le Sport Sac, Nike, The Standard Hotel and a recent painting at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. For two years running, he was one of three finalists for Japanese National Culture and Arts Affairs award, the most generous grant given to a Japanese artist living abroad.
Presented in parallel to the exhibition at Frey Norris, Matsu has mounted his first solo museum exhibition at the Katzen Arts Center at American University in Washington, D.C.”
© Tomokazu Matsuyama, 2012
