A Visit to the Atelier | A Special Solo Exhibition, Through Visitors' Eyes

This time, I would like to share some thoughts about my recent art show, "ISAO Toshihiko Solo Exhibition." Organized around the theme of "Musashino," it was staged at the Nerima Art Museum Community Gallery in Tokyo.

For more than half a century, I have been holding exhibitions on similar themes. However, I was a bit nervous ahead of my most recent six-day show. Perhaps that was because it was my first retrospective exhibition.

Surprisingly, 2300 people came to the venue, a new record for me. Of course, I assume that many of them stopped by because they were visiting the neighboring exhibition of Kimiyo Mishima, "Memories for the Future." Perhaps they were in the neighborhood by coincidence. However, I was happy to see that many were looking at my paintings with intense interest.

*The exhibition included about 65 paintings in watercolor, and oil by Toshihiko Isao.*

Observing the Visitors

The exhibition was divided into three phases, from the early period of my work to the present. It was well received, and visitors seemed to enjoy discovering the variations in my work from one phase to the next. I lived in the first postwar era when French contemporary painters were introduced. Trends such as [Pablo] Picasso's cubism and the Art Informel movement (1943-1950s), were very influential among young Japanese painters, including myself at the time. The retrospective spoke volumes about these eras, becoming a highlight of my solo exhibition.

Furthermore, visitors were intrigued by some of the fanciful small paintings on display. Also, I was fortunate to find bright children and their parents enjoying time together in my exhibition and looking at pieces with amusement. I have a feeling that these children will become an important art audience as they grow up.

*A visitor stands with the artist in front of a representative painting of Musashino scenery by Toshihiko Isao.*

In the Eyes of Visitors

Now I would like to introduce some of the comments visitors shared about the exhibition.

"The rich and joyful paintings and peaceful scenery of Musashino brought a mysterious sense of harmony. I look forward to more of your art in the future."

*The record jacket painted by Toshihiko Isao and other front covers on display.*

"Thank you very much. I was deeply moved by the opportunity to experience the depth and range of your painting. And I was also deeply inspired. It made me want to keep on painting for the rest of my life."

"Whenever I see your paintings, they soothe my heart. It is difficult for me to explain in words because I have an amateur eye. But in this exhibition, I was truly happy to come across artwork that I would want in my own home. Thank you very much."

*An abstract piece, "Heaven and Earth" by then-29-year-old Toshihiko Isao (1964).*

"I came with my wife, and I was surprised that only one artist drew all of these various types of paintings. One of my favorite pieces was "Work 3" and others in warm colors. Also, your monotype fish and children's pieces made me feel as if I were reading a picture book, which was very heart-warming. I am looking forward to seeing more of your work. Please take care and best wishes for your creative activities."

"After all these years, I realized something today. The less color you use, the more colors you find inside of your heart. I was really happy to be able to see your art pieces today."

*Pieces drawn in Okinawa prefecture by Toshihiko Isao in 1967.*

Art for the Soul

"I have never been so touched by art, and I have not studied about the genres of painting. But when I saw your pieces, it felt as if I was looking into music."

"Peering into the scenery of Musashino, I felt my heart stir. I was also surprised to find that the book on Kuniyoshi (a Ukiyo-e artist) displayed on the table was written by Mr Isao. Please take care."

"That, like above "aged silver" linking our memories, gave such context to what we saw, how the imagery of this childhood haunted your art for years to come."

*A parent and child look at the abstract pieces by Toshihiko Isao.*

Conclusion

Although I cannot introduce all of the comments here, they were cheerful and truly encouraging. There must have been some critical comments as well. Nevertheless, I would like to continue painting and striving for higher excellence.

Also, I would like to express my gratitude to my family and the many other people who cooperated with me on this exhibition. A special thanks is due to Mr Hiroyuki Horikawa, the art book editor, who helped me enormously with photographs, invitations and leaflet designs. Thank you very much.