This vibrant painting features an ensemble of stylized human figures against a backdrop of lush, verdant landscapes. The bold use of colors, ranging from earthy tones to vibrant hues, creates a visually striking composition. The subjects' exaggerated, angular facial features and expressive eyes convey a sense of introspection and emotional depth. The artist's distinctive technique blends elements of primitivism and folk art, providing a unique visual language that speaks to the diversity of the human experience. This piece likely reflects the artist's intention to explore themes of identity, community, and the human condition within a culturally rich context. ...
Makoto Toya’s works often take the form of monumental scrolls, created on traditional Japanese paper once used for sliding partition doors. Over the course of his career, including works in progress, he has produced 61 scrolls, each teeming with an array of figures and motifs: men, women, Buddhist symbols, fantastical creatures, celestial bodies, mountains, vegetation, and other elements drawn from nature. Toya does not begin with a predetermined composition; instead, he allows each image to emerge spontaneously, following the flow of his creative impulse in the moment.
His practice exemplifies a lifelong devotion to the act of drawing, reflecting a remarkable passion sustained for over fifty years. With each scroll, Toya continually explores and expands his artistic vision, finding new joys and discoveries in the process. This exhibition offers viewers a rare opportunity to witness the depth and vitality of an artist wholly absorbed in his craft, whose relentless curiosity and commitment transform each stroke into a testament to the enduring power of creative expression. ...
