www.hirosaki-moca.jp

September 6, 2023

Press Release

Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art 2023 Exhibition [Autumn/Winter]

MATSUYAMA Tomokazu: Fictional Landscape
Date: October 27 (FRI), 2023 - March 17 (SAT), 2024
Venue：Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art

The Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art will present anexhibition by contemporary artist MATSUYAMA Tomokazu as
its Autumn/Winter program for 2023, from Friday, October 27,2023, to Sunday, March 17, 2024. The exhibition will be theartist’s first large-scale solo showing in Japan.
MATSUYAMA Tomokazu (1976 -) is a New York-based artist
known for blending boldness with delicacy. This unique fusion isevident in his vibrant paintings marked by intricate lines, as wellas in the large-scale public art sculptures he creates. Drawing
inspiration from a plethora of sources, Matsuyama incorporates
elements from traditional Japanese, Chinese, and European
paintings, snippets from fashion magazines, everyday
consumer products, and recognizable logos. Though theseimages permeate modern society and might feel familiar, they
aren't typically associated with one another. However, when
integrated into Matsuyama’s artwork, they evoke deep-seatedmemories, as if disparate fragments from the recesses of themind have converged to form a coherent whole.
Matsuyama's diverse life experiences have deeply informed andenriched his work. Born in Gifu, an area renowned for its richnature and historical heritage, he was exposed to West Coast
street culture in the United States during his boyhood. Upon
returning to Japan, he pursued studies in economics. In histwenties, he initially followed an athletic path before pivoting todesign. Throughout his journey, Matsuyama has consistentlyengaged with the world's multifaceted diversity, often viewed
through the lens of opposites, spanning from traditional culture
to contemporary counterculture.

MATSUYAMA Tomokazu, Hello Open Arms, 2023
Private Collection
Acrylic and mixed media on canvas 257×216cm

The exhibition, "MATSUYAMA Tomokazu: Fictional
Landscape," showcases Matsuyama's artistic evolution andsophistication. It places a spotlight on his recent works,
produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and introduces newpieces to the public for the first time. This event in Hirosaki, a city
known for embracing new cultures, offers a unique opportunity
to see the artist in a fresh perspective.

Press Contact Information
Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art PR Office｜Ms. OSAWA Mina and Ms. ISHIKAWA Kouko
2-1 Yoshino-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan 036-8188 Tel: +81-172-32-8950 E-mail: press@hirosaki-moca.jp

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Exhibition Highlights
1. Tomokazu Matsuyama's Landmark Solo Exhibition: “Fictional Landscape”
This marks fourteen years since Matsuyama, an avid producer consistently expanding his artistic reach,
showcased his debut solo exhibition in a New York gallery in 2009. "Fictional Landscape" is not only his
inaugural solo exhibition in Japan but also his first in a museum with an expansive exhibition area
exceeding 1,200 ㎡. Pre-COVID-19, Matsuyama collaborated closely with a substantial team in his New
York studio. However, the pandemic led him to innovate, resulting in remote collaborations like Cluster
2020 (2020). The exhibition will also spotlight recent pieces, such as Broken Train Pick Me (2020),
conceived by Matsuyama in solitude during the pandemic, and People With People (2021), acollaboration piece with the musical duo YUZU.

2. Unveiling New Works and Introducing Pieces to Japan for the First TimeThe exhibition will feature 23 artworks debuting in Japan, nine of which are entirely new unveilings,
complemented by approximately 30 recent paintings and sculptures. Signature Matsuyama pieces,including intricate paintings derived from diverse image collages and robust stainless-steel sculpturescommon in public art, will be on display. Additionally, vibrantly colored sculptures—Mother Other andThis is What It Feels Like ED.2 (both 2023)—will make their Japanese debut. These are masterpieces
where Matsuyama melds ancient artistry, like kangyokugan and kirikane patterns, with moderntechniques, overlaying polyurethane on fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP).

3. A Glimpse Behind the Artistic Process
Matsuyama realizes his masterpieces by fusing traditional art studies with his ever-growing image
repository. A typical artwork draws inspiration from 10 to 20 varied images, both contemporary andhistoric, from the East and West. This exhibition offers a rare insight into Matsuyama's creative journeyby showcasing materials and sketches, usually concealed from public view.

MATSUYAMA Tomokazu, Cluster 2020, 2020
Private Collection
Acrylic and mixed media on canvas
Dimension Variable 33 panels: 60x60cm

MATSUYAMA Tomokazu, People With People, 2021
Collection of Senya & Company Co., Ltd.
Acrylic and mixed media on canvas 213.3x426.7cm

MATSUYAMA Tomokazu, This is What It Feels Like ED.2, 2023
Private Collection
FRP, wood, steel, epoxy, polyurethane,acrylic, plastic and gold leaf
120×110×110cm

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About the Exhibition's Title
The Japanese title of the exhibition, "Setsugetsuka no Toki," translates to "times of snow, moon, andflowers." This is derived from a poem by Bai Juyi (also known as Bai Letian, 772-846), a notable midTang Dynasty Chinese poet. Throughout his tenure as a government official, Bai Juyi penned verses
from various locations, expressing his deep affection for his friend and former subordinate, Yin Xielu,
despite their physical distance. His poem beautifully articulates how emotions remain steadfast amidst
the changing seasons.
The sentiments expressed in this poem deeply align with Matsuyama's perspective. Based in New York,a modern city where various cultures and people intertwine, he equally engages with the cultural
influences of his roots in Japan and the US. Furthermore, he resonates with the rich legacies of regions
like China and Europe, which have significantly shaped the history of visual arts. Matsuyama's vastartistic engagement spans from high art to both counterculture and pop culture.
The English title, "Fictional Landscape," draws from a signature series in Matsuyama's portfolio. It
encapsulates the idea of an imaginative, otherworldly realm—a place that feels familiar, yet remains
elusive and "somewhere else."

MATSUYAMA Tomokazu, 20 Dollar Cold Cold Heart, 2019
Private Collection
Acrylic and mixed media on canvas 267×172cm

MATSUYAMA Tomokazu, Wheels of Fortune, 2020
Private Collection
Steel 257×400×105cm

Artist
MATSUYAMA Tomokazu
Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1976, MATSUYAMA Tomokazu now
resides and creates in Brooklyn, New York. While hepredominantly focuses on paintings, his artistic endeavors also
span sculptures and installations. In his work, Matsuyama
seamlessly interweaves contrasting elements—like Asia andEurope, the ancient and the contemporary, and the figurative withthe abstract. This synthesis is emblematic of his unique crosscultural experiences and a reflection of the fluid nature of modern
society in this information-driven age.
Matsuyama's commitment to the arts extends to large-scale public
art projects. Notable works include a mural on the Bowery Wall
(New York, USA. 2019), Hanao-San (Shinjuku East Square,Tokyo, 2020), and Wheels of Fortune (The Meiji Jingu Forest
Festival of Art in Tokyo, Meiji Jungu, 2020). His recent solo
showcases feature the "Accountable Nature" exhibition at the Long
Museum (Shanghai, China, 2020; Chongqing, China, 2021).

Photo: Akira Yamada

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General Infomation｜Exhibition Title:

MATSUYAMA Tomokazu: Fictional Landscape｜Date:

Fri., October 27, 2023 – Sun., March 17, 2024

｜Venue:Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art
2-1 Yoshino-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori, Japan 036−8188｜Opening Hours:

9:00−17:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)｜Closed:Tuesdays (except on Jan. 2) and from Dec. 25, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024

｜Exhibition Title:

Adults 1,300 yen (1,200 yen)
University Students 1,000 yen (900 yen)*() Price for a group over 20 people*Free of charge for high school students and under;international students staying in Hirosaki; Hirosaki citizens over 65;
and visitors with disabilities and one attendant｜Organizer:

Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art｜Special Cooperation:

KOTARO NUKAGA, MATSUYAMA STUDIO｜Special Sponsor:

Starts Corporation Inc.

｜Sponsor:

OBAYASHI CORPORATION, NTT FACILITIES, INC.

｜Supported by:

The To-o Nippo Press, THE DAILY TOHOKU SHIMBUN,
THE MUTSU SHIMPO Press, Aomori Broadcasting Corporation,
Aomori Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd., Asahi Broadcasting Aomori Co., Ltd.,
Aomori Fm Broadcasting, FM APPLE WAVE,and the Hirosaki City Board of Education｜Tel:+81-172-32-8950｜Acccess:

From JR Hirosaki Station- Take the Konan Bus to the Horai-Bashi stop (app. 9 min.) and walk 5 minutes- 20 minutes on foot- taxi 7 minutes｜Website:

http://www.hirosaki-moca.jp｜SNS:

Instagram @hirosaki_moca
X(Twitter) @hirosaki_moca
Facebook @hirosaki.moca

About the Museum
Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art opened on 2020, Afterrenovating the Yoshino-cho Brick Warehouse, a piece of modern
industrial heritage and iconic landmark of Hirosaki City constructedin the late 19th and early 20th century. Its buildings were renovatedby architect Tane Tsuyoshi.
The goal is to connect the region and the world throughcontemporary art, offering opportunities to engage with diverse andabundant visions and ideas, and serving as a dynamic cultural hubthat stimulates new creativity connected to the past, present andfuture.
©Naoya Hatakeyama

Press Contact Information
Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art PR Office｜Ms. OSAWA Mina and Ms. ISHIKAWA Kouko
2-1 Yoshino-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan 036-8188 Tel: +81-172-32-8950 E-mail: press@hirosaki-moca.jp
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