#Japan #Tokyo #Surrealism #Nature Art #Keiji Ito

Experience the Dreamlike World of Keiji Ito

Keiji Ito, a renowned artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s through the legendary magazine 'JAM/HEAVEN', has made significant contributions across various creative domains, including music, advertising, and film. His latest exhibition, titled 'It’s Getting Fun!', will run from October 25 to November 23, 2025, at BLOCK HOUSE in Tokyo.

In this exhibition, Ito will unveil a series of new paintings that capture an enchanting landscape of vibrant green earth beneath a starry sky. His works evoke a deep reflection of his experiences during urban living, where he felt a yearning for nature and the need for expansive greenery, particularly intensified by the feelings of confinement caused by the recent pandemic. He articulates this sentiment by stating, “This desire for green spaces may stem from the suffocating nature of urban life, amplifying a longing for open, verdant environments.”

Ito’s fantasy-like landscapes, often categorized as neo-surrealism, take inspiration from his travels, personal photography, and collected objects. The integration of various elements from his everyday life results in a collage effect that invites viewers into an alternate reality. The striking green earth that Ito portrays has a somewhat artificial feel, reminiscent of a green screen used in CGI productions, yet it reflects an acceptance of a simulated world without denying or overly affirming its existence.

His artworks showcase curious flora, fauna, and characters, blurring the lines between nature and artifice, reality and fantasy, organic and inorganic. This artistic exploration invites a refreshing re-examination of the recovered reality through symbols, diverging from the cynicism found in Andy Warhol's mass production and the 'Superflat' movement. Rather than rendering a critical viewpoint, Ito presents a new venture in visual art, one that promises to engage and inspire.

The title of the exhibition, derived from a phrase Ito once heard in his dreams, encapsulates his artistic identity. Notable art critic Moebius once remarked, “Is it possible that this kingdom of pure imagination, forever lost, manifests within his paintings as an enigmatic 'foreign land'? A 'foreign land' that we can no longer reach.”

Ito himself reflects on his fascination with the afterlife, stating, “From childhood, when thinking of what lies beyond death, curiosity always triumphed over fear. This image led to my contemplation of the mysterious concepts of 'night' and 'space.'” His evolving worldview is profoundly illustrated through the pairing of his past collages and paintings from the 1990s and 2000s with his recent offerings, including album covers akin to 'SOUNDLESS SLEEVE'. It is a unique opportunity for viewers to explore and appreciate Ito’s artistic evolution.

Exhibition Overview:

• - Title: It’s Getting Fun!
• - Artist: Keiji Ito
• - Dates: October 25 (Sat) - November 23 (Sun)
• - Opening Reception: October 25 (Sat) 18:00 - 20:00
• - Opening Hours: 13:00 - 19:00 (Thu-Sun)
• - Organizer: island JAPAN (www.islandjapan.com)
• - Location: BLOCK HOUSE, 6-12-9-2F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001, JAPAN

Artist Profile:

Keiji Ito specializes in graphic work, art direction, and video production. He has received numerous accolades, including the Tokyo ADC Award in 2001. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations and visual works for renowned artists like Kirinji, Kato Miliyah, and Bonny Pink, and he has participated in numerous exhibitions both domestically and internationally. Ito is also a professor at Kyoto University of Arts and serves as a representative at UFG.

This upcoming exhibition is a perfect chance for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the dreamlike visions of Keiji Ito and explore the intersections of nature, urbanity, and surrealism.