October 24, 2024 (Thu) - November 9, 2024 (Sat)
OPEN: Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 12:00 - 19:00
CLOSED: Sun, Mon, Tue

 

WALLS TOKYO is pleased to announce a solo exhibition by Masaya Tani, which will be held from October 24, 2024 (Thu) to November 9, 2024 (Sat).

 

This exhibition marks Tani’s return to our gallery for the first time in five years since 2019. Masaya Tani has been working with a unique method of reconfiguring familiar objects, people, and landscapes through his distinct use of paint. In his works, representational forms are submerged in swirls of paint, emerging once again as abstract shapes on the canvas. In this exhibition, he will present new works that show a development from his previous style, as well as intricate pen drawings that highlight his exceptional painting technique.

"My first solo exhibition was held in October 2014 at Wonder Site in Shibuya*. Looking back over the past ten years, I have realized that the underlying theme of my work has always been 'existence.' Even in the artistic challenges I set for myself, such as 'ridges and backgrounds' or 'restricted freedom,' I was always conscious of human existence.

Since relocating my studio from Tokyo to Saiki City in Oita Prefecture in 2016, I’ve experienced firsthand the nature of rural areas and the reality of population decline. As someone who has connected experience with expression, I now see that 'existence' was also a hidden theme in my previous exhibitions. The subtle distinction between 'existence' and 'presence' — and the question of whose existence it refers to — has been something I’ve reflected on.

The rural depopulation, aging society, and vacant house issues are producing waste materials, while the land, plants, and sea reveal a beautiful natural environment. The coastline seems to reflect a boundary between the positive and the negative.

Perhaps my works embody this coexistence of the positive and the negative in rural areas. Maybe they are, in a sense, a reflection of myself. In this exhibition, I will also present pen drawings. These works imagine worlds where opposing motifs like nature and technology intertwine. I would be grateful if you could take the time to view them."

Masaya Tani

*Now Tokyo Arts and Space

 

 

Masaya Tani
1981:Born in Oita Prefecture
2004:Graduated from Tokyo Zokei University, Department of Fine Arts, Painting
2023: "Double Window," Kinosho Kikaku
2021: "The enclosed vividness," Metsa Hifive Gallery
2019: 23rd SHANGHAI ART FAIR (COARTZ)
2019: "CHANNEL," WALLS TOKYO
2018: "BLOOMING FLOWER," Tokyu Plaza Ginza
2018: "Multiple locations," Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Art Spot
2017: "ANCHOR," WALLS TOKYO
2017: Holbein Scholarship Selected Exhibition Vol.4 at REJINSHA GALLERY
2015: Tugboat Award, Special Prize by Judge Takahiro Tamaya
2015: TERRADA ART AWARD, REBIRTH PROJECT Prize
2015: 30th Holbein Scholarship
2014: "Ridge of the Landscape," Tokyo Wonder Site Shibuya

Major Exhibitions (Selected)
2023: Masaya Tani Exhibition "Double Window" at Kinosho Kikaku
2021: Masaya Tani Exhibition "The Enclosed Vividness" at Metsa Hifive Gallery
2019: Exhibited at the 23rd SHANGHAI ART FAIR (COARTZ)
2019: Masaya Tani Exhibition "CHANNEL" at WALLS TOKYO
2015: 30th Holbein Scholarship Recipient
2014: "The Ridge of Landscapes" at Tokyo Wonder Site Shibuya

 

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