[OIL by Bijutsu Techo Gallery] Solo Exhibition by Artist Masanao Hirayama: "Takamatsu, Baby 2" Opens June 12 (Fri). New Series Evolves from Monochrome to Color, Inspired by His Daughter's Daily Interests.

OIL by Bijutsu Techo Gallery (Shibuya PARCO 2F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) will hold a solo exhibition by artist Masanao Hirayama, "Takamatsu, Baby 2," from Friday, June 12, 2026 to Sunday, July 5, 2026.

"Color Quiz" 2026, 21 x 29.7 cm, acrylic on paper

Overview

Masanao Hirayama creates works using familiar materials like paper and markers, characterized by symbolically simplified forms and the unique lines of hand-drawn text. Rather than directly copying what he sees, his drawing style rearranges forms by drawing them into his own unique sensibility, harboring a perspective that re-measures how things look and the sense of distance beneath a humorous and light impression.

This exhibition, "Takamatsu, Baby 2," is a new series following the 2024 exhibition ("Takamatsu, Baby" at Syndicate, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture), which was based on monochrome. This time, the exhibition is centered on color works. In addition to four new color works, including "Number Quiz" and "Color Quiz" created for his daughter who became interested in colors and numbers, and "TAKAMATSU" based on memories of going to see a dolphin show, a bed mobile (a rotating three-dimensional work) referencing the world of Matisse's works will also be exhibited.

Artist Statement

"The more I think, the more I realize that there is nothing more artistic than loving people." – Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

When I was 25, I went to Utrecht to meet picture book author Dick Bruna (1927-2017). Bruna reportedly visited the Rosary Chapel of Henri Matisse (1869-1954) in his twenties. There, he was influenced by the cut-outs and vivid colors, and aimed for the simplification of color and form. Then, with the birth of his son, he completed "Nijntje (Miffy)" (1955).

The influence of others is common in the background of how works are born. While raising my child, I received hints from my daughter, and based on those hints, I created works dedicated to her. These are both works of art and everyday items.

"Dance Mobile" and "Baby's ART" were created as tools to entertain my newborn daughter. Next, I made "Number Quiz" and "Color Quiz" to learn with my slightly older daughter. "TAKAMATSU" (Nieves, Dorsia, 2026) is a coloring book based on the memory of going to a dolphin show with my daughter.

Masanao Hirayama

Artist Profile

Masanao Hirayama

Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1976, resides in Kagawa Prefecture. Works include painting and performance.

Major solo exhibitions include "Nice" at Yvon Lambert (Paris, 2024), "Nice" at Gallery αM (Tokyo, 2023), "Town Pictures" at clinic (Tokyo, 2022), "NFT" at NADiff Window Gallery (Tokyo, 2022), "1~4" at VOILLD (Tokyo, 2020), "Cards" at TALION GALLERY (Tokyo, 2018), "Book Show" at Nieves (Zurich, 2017) / Utrecht (Tokyo, 2017). Major group exhibitions include "Masanao Hirayama × Teppei Saotome" at OBG eu. (Hyogo, 2022), "101 to 101" at nidi gallery (Tokyo, 2021), "Techniques of Optimism" at BnA Alter Museum (Kyoto, 2020), "Thinking Drawing" at Sapporo Odori Underground Gallery 500m Museum (Hokkaido, 2019), "#12 Post-Formalist Painting" at statements (Tokyo, 2017), "Sylvanian Families Biennale 2017" at XYZ collective (Tokyo, 2017).

Product Introduction

New tote bags, bandanas, and sticker sets featuring the exhibited works will also be unveiled at the venue.

Tote bag: 4,400 yen (tax incl.) Bandana: 3,300 yen (tax incl.) Sticker set of 8: 2,200 yen (tax incl.)

About Artwork Sales

In-store sales: June 12 (Fri) – July 5 (Sun)

Online sales (OIL): June 19 (Fri) 16:00 – July 5 (Sun) 20:00

https://oil.bijutsutecho.com/gallery/733

*Online release will be after in-store sales begin, so items may be sold out at the time of online release. *Dates and times are subject to change.

Exhibition Details

Masanao Hirayama "Takamatsu, Baby 2"

Period: June 12 (Fri), 2026 – July 5 (Sun), 2026 *Open throughout the exhibition period

Hours: 11:00 – 21:00

Venue/Organizer: OIL by Bijutsu Techo Gallery (Shibuya PARCO 2F, 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042)

Admission: Free

Contact: [email protected]

Special Page: https://oil-gallery.bijutsutecho.com/

OIL by Bijutsu Techo (Gallery)

Address: Shibuya PARCO 2F, 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042 Phone: 03-5422-3270 Email: [email protected] Access: 5 min walk from Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station URL: https://oil-gallery.bijutsutecho.com/ X: @OILbyBT Instagram: @OILbyBT_gallery

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