#Japan #Tachikawa #Tamashin Museum #Tama Artists #Living Paintings

Experience Art at the Tamashin Museum: Three Perspectives from Tama Artists

The Tamashin Museum, located in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, is excited to announce its upcoming exhibition titled Living Paintings: A Three-Person Exhibit of Tama Artists: Gaku Kato, Toko Tokunaga, and Ryohei Shimazaki. This event will run from January 10 to March 15, 2026.

The Tama region, which consists of 30 cities and towns located in Tokyo's western area, is known for its rich natural environment and diverse history. Because of its convenient access to downtown Tokyo and a serene living environment, many artists have chosen to set up their studios in this area, leading to the development of a unique cultural scene. This exhibition will focus on three talented painters who are active in this region and have established their own unique styles and worlds of expression.

Featured Artists

Gaku Kato

Gaku Kato, based in Hachioji City, paints landscapes that exist at the ambiguous boundary between the inner and outer world. Using acrylics and pastels, he captures moments of the constantly shifting boundaries of these landscapes, leaving traces of his thoughts on canvas.

Toko Tokunaga

Toko Tokunaga, who works from Higashimurayama City, creates artwork centered around the concepts of “memory” and “process.” She gathers colors and forms that are deep within her senses, layering flash paint on cotton canvas to reflect fragmented memories that accumulate and merge within her creations.

Ryohei Shimazaki

Ryohei Shimazaki, operating from Hinode Village, skillfully brings together influences from Japanese art and Chinese painting. He depicts various gods and mythical creatures, skillfully blending modern sensibilities with traditional styles like Rinpa and Ukiyo-e, creating intricate works characterized by detailed brushwork and striking color choices.

Exhibition Highlights

1. One Exhibition, Three Experiences: The exhibition space will be divided into three sections, each dedicated to one artist, allowing visitors to enjoy a unique experience akin to visiting three separate exhibitions.
2. Landscapes of Inquiry: Kato’s works go beyond mere representations of nature, engaging with the internal landscapes that emerge during his exploration of the external world. These pieces invite viewers into a realm of deep contemplation.
3. Colors of Memory: Tokunaga’s paintings visually articulate memory, as colors are layered to resonate with the experiences and recollections of the viewer.
4. Between Reality and Fiction: Shimazaki’s work draws on classical influences while addressing contemporary themes, weaving together reality and fantasy with humor and richness.

Related Events

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• - Artist and Curator Talk Session: Scheduled for January 24, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, artists Gaku Kato, Toko Tokunaga, and Ryohei Shimazaki will discuss their artwork alongside curators Kamiyuki Shizuno and Rie Fujimori. Free, with limited seating (50 spots).
• - Gallery Talks: Held on various dates throughout the exhibition, showcasing the artists and curators discussing their artworks, including:

- January 31 with Ryohei Shimazaki
- February 14 with Toko Tokunaga
- February 20 with curators
- March 7 with Gaku Kato

Visitor Information

• - Location: Tamashin Museum, 3-4 Midoricho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
• - Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
• - Admission Fees: ¥500, ¥300 for high school and university students (free for middle school students and younger)
• - Closed: Mondays (open on holidays, but closed the following weekday)

For more information, visits the Tamashin Museum's website. This exhibition promises to be a truly enriching experience for art lovers and newcomers alike!