A Modern Spin on Traditional Japanese Art

Contemporary artist Tomokazu Matsuyama gather influences from his bi-cultural upbringing to create large-format paintings that blur the lines between East and West. Identifying with both his U.S. and Tokyo upbringing, the Brooklyn-based artist’s work feature references from both pop art and Japanese folklore. A painting might display traditional Japanese icons such as samurais and kimonos but vivid colors and patterns liven up each painting to bring another dimension to its aesthetics. Although it may seem that each painting blends the duality of his cultural influences, Matsuyama believes otherwise: “As a Japanese national living between the U.S. and Japan, I can only believe that my experience is much like many of those who are now caught within these urban zones. My work is equally pended as such, between worlds — they are not completely blended, but instead still a patchwork of a controlled chaos.”