Aspring artist Tanoue Shinya (田上真也 b. 1976) is in the midst of his Tokyo debut, and I dropped by to say hello.
Tanoue's peculiar educational background often sparks conversation. Enamored by biblical tales, philosophy and world religion, Tanoue enrolled and graduated from Doshisha University's Department of Theology. I find that his interest in the abstract and the spiritual continues to brim from his latest work, which evoke seashells and the oceans of life.
Perhaps to his detriment, Tanoue had placed an emphasis on participation at public competitions and group exhibitions. In a sense this choice is understandable, as a famous award can help jump-start young careers. However I find that often times the so-called value (not in a fiduciary sense but a moral one) of an artist's work is determined democratically, i.e. by the reception and response that an artist receives at a solo exhibition, wherein the risks and dangers of exposing one's true self abound.
In this light, I applaud the talented Tanoue for challenging himself in the harsh eyes of the Tokyo scene, and I particularly enjoyed his movement towards more-simplistic forms, lines and curves. Although it is said that "God lies in the details," I find that simplicity is often times the hardest detail to capture. I think Tanoue-san has caught on to this notion, and let us anticipate where his new-found "spiritual simplicity" will take him further.
From eastern skies,
Wahei Aoyama 青山和平
Toku Art Limited
タグ：田上真也
