TAB Event - Ken Hamaguchi "Black, Sutra, and the Rest"

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At Takahashi Collection Kagurazaka
Media: Painting

Comment by Art Director Yumi Yamaguchi: Ken Hamaguchi's first solo exhibition will be held at Takahashi Collection. This is breaking news because no one knows his name or even what kind of work he does. This spring, I published "The Power of the Japanese Contemporary Art" (Ascii) in which I introduced Ken Hamaguchi's work, and Mr. Takahashi got interested in his work. He contacted me quite recently.

While I respect Takahashi's aesthetic choices and how fast he acts on his decisions, I also admire Hamaguchi's modest attitude as an artist, never overtly promoting himself. In the last 10 years, he focused on completing the 100 works in this series, "Black, Sutra, and the Rest", as well as creating the works of "Heart Sutra" series, a total of 276 pieces. He never rushes himself to further his career, following his own rhythm. When he's in the studio, he never loses his focus. His work has nothing to do with J-pop, popular TV dramas, fashion, or any sorts of trend. In recent years, there are more artists who try to market themselves, but he stands on the other end of the world.

Six years ago, I wrote in a book entitled "Introduction to Introductory Contemporary Art" (Kobunsha-shinsyo), "Hamaguchi's work is kitschy, flashy, sexy and chivalrous in a slightly yakuza way, as well as classical and maniacal, and his composition is out of the ordinary." My impression of his work hasn't changed since then. It is quite an experience to view his work in person. Hamaguchi is just about to start his career, and people will see more of his work from now on."

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