ART FAIR PHILIPPINES 2025

Unique Expressions in Japanese Contemporary Art

At Art Fair Philippines 2025, SHUKADO + SCENA proudly presents four contemporary Japanese artists, each offering a distinct perspective that blends realism and abstraction, tradition and innovation, stillness and movement. Their works transcend boundaries, inviting viewers into a world of visual exploration and storytelling.

Hiroki Kakinuma – A Panoramic World Where Reality and Fantasy Collide

Hiroki Kakinuma’s works depict an intriguing blend of the ordinary and the surreal—urban landscapes teeming with strange creatures, towering figures walking among humans, and dreamlike cityscapes that feel both real and imaginary. His paintings resemble meticulously designed movie sets, evoking the aesthetics of Japanese tokusatsu (special effects films). Through his bold compositions and vivid colors, Kakinuma creates a world where chaos and harmony coexist, encouraging the viewer to explore the hidden narratives within each scene.

Takahiro Hara – The Subtle Beauty of Realism

Having studied under the renowned Spanish realist painter Antonio López García, Takahiro Hara embraces a philosophy of subtraction, capturing the understated beauty of everyday life. Rather than indulging in excess, his paintings focus on seemingly insignificant moments—half-eaten meals, quiet gazes, and the traces of time left on objects. In contrast to the loud, often sensationalist nature of contemporary art, Hara’s works draw the viewer into moments of stillness, leaving a lasting impression of quiet profundity.

Genpei Sakata – Whimsical Narratives in Wood and Paint

Born in Kyoto in 1987, Genpei Sakata brings to life endearing yet melancholic animal figures through a unique combination of wood sculpture and painting. Influenced by his father, a ceramic artist, Sakata’s creations possess a nostalgic charm that resonates with human emotions. His works, collected by institutions such as Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Ryukoku University, offer a sense of warmth and familiarity, inviting viewers into a world of humor and quiet contemplation.

Saki Matsumura – A Visual Adventure Between Two and Three Dimensions

Saki Matsumura’s works blur the boundaries between two-dimensional and three-dimensional space, creating compositions that feel both sculptural and painterly. Her interplay of color, shape, and layered textures generates a sense of movement akin to skiing down a slope—fluid, exhilarating, and immersive. Inspired by digital imagery and natural landscapes from her childhood, her works engage both the eye and the body, offering an entirely new form of artistic experience.

New Perspectives, Shared Experiences

Each of these four artists presents a different approach to contemporary Japanese art, yet they share a common thread—the joy of looking, the expansion of perception, and the discovery of beauty in unexpected places. Through their works, we invite you to experience the transformative power of art and to see the world from a fresh perspective.