[Image: Mascotte, 2024, 32 x 23 cm, Mixed media on panel]

Mascotte

We introduce the work of artists who are engaged in traditional techniques and materials and artists who directly convey the thirst and passion of expression, such as graffiti and outsider art artists. 

Traditionally, the focus of art in Japan had been on “monozukuri” or the craft of making things. Before the modern era, there were excellent artists even when there was no concept of art, but the work was a result of commitment. The concept of art has been introduced from the West into Japan since modern times, but Japanese artists continue to place large importance on “monozukuri”. Just as the making of Japanese Buddha images has changed from being obsessive to its own rich expression, Western paintings that have been quietly propagated have also been converted into works unique to Japan. Japanese modern artists, who are rarely appreciated in the history of art in the world, can be firmly positioned and appreciated from this perspective.
Graffiti and outsider art are also filled with this concept of “monozukuri”.

We would like to spread art born of “monozukuri” by working with both modern Japanese and overseas artists committed to new creating new expressions.

Chris Berens "The Great Below"