Presenting the Exhibition CATS IN TOKYO by SHOJIRO KATO, noted Japanese artist

Shojiro Kato earned his M.F.A. in Japanese style painting a the Graduate School of Tama art University in 1978. This is Shojiro Kato's second exhibition in Thailand. Last year's exhibition, MOON PEOPLE, held at the Japan Foundation in Bangkok, was so popular that he was asked by the curator of Akko Gallery, on Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, to return for another exhibition from the 18 of May to the 8th of June 2002. Kato is an exceptional Japanese artist, painting in "Japanese Style Painting" which is rather unique, in that, although it is derived from the foundation of "Yamato-e," which was developed in the 10th century from the influence of imported Chinese style painting, it does, in fact, go beyond the category of both Japanese style and Western style painting. Kato's contemporary style uses many different media including powdered mineral pigments, Japanese papers, silk cloth, Indian ink, metallic leaves and acrylic paints, etc.; thus, following the school of Yamato-e. The power that can now be felt, using such a style and media, was only developed after World War two. At that time Japanese style painters devoted a considerable amount of time in studying Western style painting, and thus developed the skill to "pile over" the powdered mineral pigments made with synthetic compounds; and in terms of strength, the results of Japanese Style Painting came to look as good as Western style painting. Nevertheless, Kato's own developed style is derived from pure Japanese Style Painting, presenting a simple structure, while, at the same time, both impact and hidden power can be felt. He avoids expressing direct feeling, but tries to make the viewers see a concrete image created by the contrast between body and color.
Kato has become an acclaimed artist, not only in Japan, but throughout the world. Kato's works have been presented at more than fifty exhibitions since 1989 in Japan, United States, China Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and Thailand. For this exhibition, CAT LIVING IN TOKYO, Kato is using Japanese powdered mineral pigments, together with Japanese nikawa glue, on Thai sa-paper. For awards won by the artist, see the text below photos. For further information contact Atsuko Davies at (66 2 2591436).

AWARDS SHOJIRO KATO HAS WON
1989 - New Artist Prize at the 25th Asian Modern Art exhibition
1990 - The Artist Friendship Association Prize
1990 - Prize in the 26th Asia Modern art Exhibition
1991 - Ueno no Mori Art Museum Prize
1992 - Japan Asia Airline Prize
1994 - Grand Prize at the 30th Asian Modern Art Exhibition
1996 - Yasuda Art Foundation Prize
1996 - Second Prize at the 30th Kanagawa-Ken Exhibition
1997 - Invited to the 40th Yasui Prize Exhibition at the Season Art Museum, Tokyo