Exhibitions
Komatsu Miwa: Sacred Nexus: Resonating with Cosmos
Komatsu Miwa《White Dragon Red Dragon》2024,private collection
The internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Miwa Komatsu (b. 1984) embraces the philosophy of “Great Harmonization.” After getting her start making copperplate engravings with black as a keynote, Komatsu awakened to the world of color through the experience of visiting and dedicating her work at Izumo Taisha, a Shinto shrine in Shimane Prefecture. In recent years, she has further developed her practice with vivid dancing colors in large-format paintings, three-dimensional works, and installations.
One element that remains constant throughout Komatsu’s diverse range of expressions is the use of divine spirits. The artist has discussed how since since she was a child she has felt an intimate connection to divine spirits, who acted as her guides. Later, in the process of traveling around the world, Komatsu discovered that divine spirits were part of many faiths and religions. This ultimately led her to believe that divine spirits are the common link in the act of prayer that is practiced throughout the world. This, she explains, is why divine spirits are a motif that is central to her philosophy.
After engaging in deep mediation, Komatsu channels the heat that is stored and emitted from the bodies of divine spirits to power her brush, making it seem as if were driven. This exhibition, focusing largely on these divine spirits, consists of some 60 works, including series that visualize folk tales and legends from many different regions, large pieces that embody a singular cosmic vision, and new works that were inspired by the natural landscape and local traditions of Hokkaido.
Please note that the artist’s prints and drawings will be not be displayed in the Sapporo exhibition.
One element that remains constant throughout Komatsu’s diverse range of expressions is the use of divine spirits. The artist has discussed how since since she was a child she has felt an intimate connection to divine spirits, who acted as her guides. Later, in the process of traveling around the world, Komatsu discovered that divine spirits were part of many faiths and religions. This ultimately led her to believe that divine spirits are the common link in the act of prayer that is practiced throughout the world. This, she explains, is why divine spirits are a motif that is central to her philosophy.
After engaging in deep mediation, Komatsu channels the heat that is stored and emitted from the bodies of divine spirits to power her brush, making it seem as if were driven. This exhibition, focusing largely on these divine spirits, consists of some 60 works, including series that visualize folk tales and legends from many different regions, large pieces that embody a singular cosmic vision, and new works that were inspired by the natural landscape and local traditions of Hokkaido.
Please note that the artist’s prints and drawings will be not be displayed in the Sapporo exhibition.
Date 2025.09.20 Sat. - 2025.11.30 Sun.
Admission
■ General / 920 (720) yen
■ High school and university students / 610 (410) yen
■ Elementary and junior high school students / 300 (200) yen
Figures in parentheses ( ) are for advance sales, groups, and repeaters.
Free of charge: Holders of physical disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, or mental disability certificate, and one accompanying person