Born in Miyagi Prefecture in Northern Japan, Misao Adachi grew up and studied painting in Tokyo. He has exhibited extensively in both Japan and the US, and he now works out of his studio in St. Petersburg, FL. Misao’s formal training as a painter was completed during ten years of apprenticeships with two Japanese Masters of the kanban, commercial murals painted in a quasi Western style. As one of the last live-in apprentices to follow this tradition, Misao’s initial job was to clean up the studio and his work was rewarded with the right to observe the master at work. Only after a year of such observation was he allowed to even hold a brush and then only to fill in some of the background paint for his master. Though slow and demanding, this process taught Misao the importance of observation in depicting the essence of his subjects and the patience needed for the intricate details characteristic of his artwork. Today, Misao’s paintings represent his traditional training and a subtle fusion of East and West that has been nurtured by his living experience in the States.
Working in acrylics and oils on canvas, Misao’s objective in life-like paintings is to capture the essence of his subjects’ being and to portray a passing moment in their lives. In his newest series of works, Misao returns to his cultural roots and focuses on the elegant kimonos worn on special occasions and the emotions suggested by the various colors and elaborate designs of this traditional attire. Rather than ‘reproducing’ his subjects, Misao merely provides a glimpse of their existence, letting the observer, in a sense, complete the work and make it their own.
Central to this series are young Japanese women celebrating Seijin Shiki, or the Coming of Age Ceremony, in their 20th year and the harmony consequently seen between old and new in contemporary Japan. Accentuating Misao’s paintings and the fleeting moments depicted are a variety of cultural icons ~ long-sleeved furisode kimonos only worn by young, single women; lucky arrows used to make that one special new year’s wish; cherry blossoms that, to the Japanese, represent the beautiful, yet transient nature of life, and tabi socks that are as pure white as the festive occasion. Most striking of the cultural elements in Misao’s work are the kami fusen, or paper balloons, seen floating in several of the paintings here. A favorite traditional children’s toy, these balloons not only arouse nostalgic feelings for days gone by, but their fragile and precious nature resonate the perishability of life, one of Japan’s most important aesthetic values.
Misao welcomes this opportunity to share his paintings with you, and thanks you for joining him in celebrating these ‘glimpses’ of Japan.
Working in acrylics and oils on canvas, Misao’s objective in life-like paintings is to capture the essence of his subjects’ being and to portray a passing moment in their lives. In his newest series of works, Misao returns to his cultural roots and focuses on the elegant kimonos worn on special occasions and the emotions suggested by the various colors and elaborate designs of this traditional attire. Rather than ‘reproducing’ his subjects, Misao merely provides a glimpse of their existence, letting the observer, in a sense, complete the work and make it their own.
Central to this series are young Japanese women celebrating Seijin Shiki, or the Coming of Age Ceremony, in their 20th year and the harmony consequently seen between old and new in contemporary Japan. Accentuating Misao’s paintings and the fleeting moments depicted are a variety of cultural icons ~ long-sleeved furisode kimonos only worn by young, single women; lucky arrows used to make that one special new year’s wish; cherry blossoms that, to the Japanese, represent the beautiful, yet transient nature of life, and tabi socks that are as pure white as the festive occasion. Most striking of the cultural elements in Misao’s work are the kami fusen, or paper balloons, seen floating in several of the paintings here. A favorite traditional children’s toy, these balloons not only arouse nostalgic feelings for days gone by, but their fragile and precious nature resonate the perishability of life, one of Japan’s most important aesthetic values.
Misao welcomes this opportunity to share his paintings with you, and thanks you for joining him in celebrating these ‘glimpses’ of Japan.
