Archive Exhibitions
Exhibition Title
Portraits of Absence – Kei Sugiyama
Artist
Kei Sugiyama
Exhibition Period
August 26 to September 16, 2023
Reception
August 26, 2023
Concept
The artistic world of Kei Sugiyama is profoundly influenced by the history of Nara, Japan, where he was born and raised. Nara, one of the oldest cities in the world, held the center stage of Japan in the 8th century, housing numerous renowned temples and artworks. Among these treasures, the “Great Buddha of Nara,” standing at a height of 15 meters, symbolized Japan.
The central theme of this artwork is “Nirvana,” representing a deity’s attainment of enlightenment and departure from the earthly realm. Kei’s portrayal of empty chairs alludes to the compositions found in Buddhist paintings that depict a deity’s journey into nirvana. The central sofa symbolizes the deity’s seated presence, conjuring the image of grieving disciples mourning around.
The absence of figures encourages contemplation about the potential occupants of the space. This emptiness prompts reflection on the individuals who might have once filled that void.
Furthermore, this artwork acts as a starting point for referencing compositions from renowned art pieces that depict existing figures and then creating new works devoid of those figures.
Perhaps it is only in absence that a presence truly magnifies.
Kei Sugiyama
Graduation work awarded the Taito Ward Prize (work acquired), Salon de Plante Award, Heisei Art Award.
“Sketch Exhibition” (Tokyo University of the Arts Exhibition Hall ’16, ’17, ’18).
In 2016, received the Excellence Award at the Shoho Japanese Painting Exhibition (Shoho Museum).
Participated in the “Three Kingdoms G Exhibition” (Seoul National University).
Completed the Master’s Program at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2017.
Completion work received the Tokyo University of the Arts Museum Purchase Award (work acquired), Hirayama Ikuo Scholarship,
Moriya Ikuei-kai Scholarship (’18).
Selected for the 70th Anniversary Exhibition of the Sogakai Creation Association (’18, ’19).
In 2018, participated in the “Togenkyo Art Festival 2018” (Ibaraki Prefecture Tenshin Memorial Urihama Museum).
First selection at the 44th Spring Creation Exhibition (Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store).
Designated as the 28th period scholarship student of the Sato International Cultural Education Foundation (work acquired).
“Japanese Painting Research Lab Presentation Exhibition” (Tokyo University of the Arts Exhibition Hall).
In 2019, received the Spring Exhibition Award at the 45th Tokyo Spring Creation Exhibition.
Participated in the “Will+s Exhibition 2019” (Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store).
Completed the Doctoral Program in Japanese Painting, Major in Fine Arts, at the Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts in 2020. Awarded the Doctoral Degree (Fine Arts).
Participated in the “47th Creation Exhibition 2020” (Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum).
In 2021, became an educational research assistant in the Japanese Painting Instructor’s Office, Department of Painting, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
Participated in the 47th Tokyo Spring Creation Exhibition (Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store).
Currently working as an educational research assistant in the Japanese Painting Instructor’s Office, Department of Painting, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
Exhibition Scenery
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