Makoto Toya

I learnt of Makoto Toya and his works through a television program that was broadcast on NHK in 2021. In this series titled “no art, no life,” navigated by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama, Toya was introduced as someone who has continued to channel his efforts into creating never-ending paintings. While I was surprised by the sheer persistence of his pursuit in painting, I was indeed fascinated by the works themselves. Hoping to see his works in person, I contacted him through an acquaintance, and arranged a visit to the old pharmacy which he used as his workspace.

What I encountered there was a cumulation of innumerable paintings. Toya mentioned that at times it would take him many years to complete a single painting. Asides from paintings, the bookshelves in his workspace were filled with various books from all times and places, which he would read over and over again in his spare moments between work. I have no idea how he selects the subjects to paint, determines the composition, starts paintings the lines, and applies the colors. There is no telling whether he simply follows his mind and hand as he pleases, or whether there is some form of concept or theme behind what he depicts. His paintings, which permeate with a peculiar sense of fantasy, are colorful, a little pop, a bit humorous, and are ever so slightly salacious, and while at times introducing religious imagery, are often bright and cheerful. One cannot help but feel that the world seen through his eyes is filled with much happiness.

I believe that Toya’s work truly reflects his remarkableness of constantly pursuing the joys of painting over the past fifty years — being so passionate and absorbed, that his desires continue to develop the more and more he paints. This exhibition has been organized in hopes to present viewers with an opportunity to bear witness to this exceptional endeavor.

Tomio Koyama

Gallery hours 11 pm – 6 pm, closed Sun, Mon, National Holidays

Exhibition Duration 04.11. – 26.11.2022

www.tomiokoyamagallery.com

Location:
Tomio Koyama Gallery Tennoz
Terrada Art Complex Ⅰ 4F, 1-33-10, Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku
140-0002 Tokyo
Japan