Peter Opheim "Mountain Orange Keep"
Medel Gallery Shu Hibiya
Starts 5/29
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Artists
Peter Opheim
Based in New York, Peter Opheim is an artist who has garnered significant attention in the contemporary art scene for his remarkably original methodology. His most distinctive hallmark lies in his creative process: before a single stroke of paint touches the canvas, he first hand-sculpts vibrant clay maquettes.
The subjects appearing on his canvases are "hybrid creatures"—imaginary beings that are at once grotesque and endearingly whimsical. Using these self-created sculptures as his "models," Opheim applies rich layers of oil paint to breathe life and an overwhelming sense of presence into his work. While the imagery may initially evoke a sense of innocent charm, it artfully conceals the complexities of human internal conflict and the precariousness of existence, resonating deeply with the viewer’s subconscious.
His profound artistic philosophy has earned high international acclaim. In 1995, he was awarded a prestigious grant from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, a hallmark of excellence for any contemporary artist. Currently represented by the cutting-edge New York gallery The Hole, Opheim has held solo exhibitions at leading galleries in London, Paris, and Taipei. His work is held in numerous public collections, including the Harwood Museum of Art in New Mexico.
With a steadily growing presence in major Japanese galleries and institutions, Opheim stands as one of the most compelling artists for collectors seeking the masterpieces of the next generation.
The subjects appearing on his canvases are "hybrid creatures"—imaginary beings that are at once grotesque and endearingly whimsical. Using these self-created sculptures as his "models," Opheim applies rich layers of oil paint to breathe life and an overwhelming sense of presence into his work. While the imagery may initially evoke a sense of innocent charm, it artfully conceals the complexities of human internal conflict and the precariousness of existence, resonating deeply with the viewer’s subconscious.
His profound artistic philosophy has earned high international acclaim. In 1995, he was awarded a prestigious grant from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, a hallmark of excellence for any contemporary artist. Currently represented by the cutting-edge New York gallery The Hole, Opheim has held solo exhibitions at leading galleries in London, Paris, and Taipei. His work is held in numerous public collections, including the Harwood Museum of Art in New Mexico.
With a steadily growing presence in major Japanese galleries and institutions, Opheim stands as one of the most compelling artists for collectors seeking the masterpieces of the next generation.
Schedule | May 29 (Fri) 2026-Jun 16 (Tue) 2026 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Venue | Medel Gallery Shu Hibiya https://medelgalleryshu.com/  | ||||
| Location | 1F The Imperial Hotel Plaza, 1-1-1 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011 | ||||
| Access | 2 minute walk from exit A13 at Hibiya Station on the Hibiya and Chiyoda lines. 5 minute walk from exit C1 at Ginza Station on the Ginza, Hibiya and Marunouchi lines. | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it         |
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