NANZUKA is thrilled to announce “HIGORO NO OKONAI,” a solo exhibition of new works by the renowned artist Masato Mori. This exhibition marks Mori’s first solo show in three years, following his last display in 2021, and will be displayed at NANZUKA UNDERGROUND in Jingumae, Shibuya. Concurrently, Mori’s solo exhibition “Snaker” will be showcased at INS Studio in Dogenzaka, Shibuya, from June 21st.
“HIGORO NO OKONAI” continues Mori’s series of picture diaries, chronicling his daily life in Tokushima. This series can be viewed as a sequel to his 2021 exhibition “Lonsdaleite Year.” Drawing inspiration from Japanese manga artist and historian Shigeru Mizuki’s philosophy of happiness—”to keep doing what one cannot do without”—Mori has deepened his artistic practice, infusing it with a zealous passion. His canvases crystallize various experiences, from collecting insects like butterflies and longhorn beetles to catching shrimp and small fish in the river, living with animals such as cats, snakes, and crows, and growing flowers and plants, including wisteria, roses, and sunflowers. Additionally, he has remodeled his grandfather’s house, transforming it into a living artwork.
The new works presented in this exhibition suggest a fascinating correlation between painting and underground music, influenced by Mori’s friendships with DJs 5ive and Powder. Mori likens the creation of grooves in dance music to the combination of colors in his paintings, stating, “There are no foul colors in the world, only bad combinations of colors.” This perspective led him to deliberately explore the relationship between sound and color, rhythm and brushstrokes, and melody and composition. The “Snaker” exhibition at INS Studio will complement “HIGORO NO OKONAI” by highlighting ten years of collaborations with 5ive, showcasing Mori’s artistic evolution.
Reflecting on the interplay of sound and color, Mori experiments with creating unexpected visual impressions, much like the surprising combinations of sounds in music. The work “Unko no Bandou,” chosen as the main visual for this exhibition, exemplifies Mori’s push towards abstraction. This painting harmonizes beautiful and powerful colors, defying preconceived notions suggested by its title. Notably, more than half of Mori’s new works are rendered in oil paint, enhancing the tonal richness of his palette.
Mori envisions his ideal painting as “a picture created by the paint and brush magically jumping onto the canvas freely, joyfully, and as if dancing, like you would see in the world of a storybook.” This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of Mori’s exceptional artistic talent.
The exhibition will feature over 15 new paintings, predominantly large canvases, and four bronze self-portrait sculptures.
