Syotatsu at home in Wakayama, Japan
Syotatsu mixes local soil into traditional painting materials such as indigo
Syotatsu uses his hands to create organic shapes and distinctive textures
The mountainous location of Syotatsu's studio enables him to connect with nature "from morning until we sleep"
Planks of found wood from the local area are often used as canvases for Syotatsu's expressive visions
SYOTATSU
B.
1982 WAKAYAMA, JAPAN
Syotatsu mixes local soil into his paint before application
"Relay", Soil, Sumi, and Soot on Japanese Paper and Wooden Panel 69"W x 26.75"H X 0.75" D
Syotatsu washes the applied indigo off paper to reveal a figure of hands
By working with his hands, the artist is able to convey more organic and evocative shapes in each piece
He begins creating with no distinct outcome in mind, rather allowing the shapes to reveal themselves over time
Syotatsu's work depicts imaginative scenes of nature, such as these hands raised up to the sun
Syotatsu's distinctive combination of materials imparts a textured surface with an earthly matte quality
Wakayama's pastoral landscape is a signature influence throughout Syotatsu's works
Tatsuya Kawai, or Syotatsu (b. 1982, Wakayama, Japan) makes expressive paintings guided by the climate and spirituality of the land from his studio in Wakayama. Trained at Kyoto University of the Arts, Syotatsu was first introduced to the art of portraiture at the age of nineteen on the streets of Kyoto, where he met the many people who inspired an evolution of his style. Upon moving back to Wakayama, Syotatsu became increasingly observant of the beauty and divinity of the rural landscape that would become the signature symbol of his paintings, and he has remained there as he hones and masters his practice.
Syotatsu’s name was suggested to him by a friend who thought he should have a painter’s name, rather than using his real name. When asked what is most important for Syotatsu when painting portraits, he answered “smiling faces” – so the friend then took “Syo” (smile) and “Tatsu” from his given name to create his painter name.
