Takuro Sugiyama is a Japanese artist born in the 80s. When I first saw his works at his solo exhibition "Hyper-Geometrism" at YOD gallery in Nishi-Temma Osaka, I was overwhelmed by the marvelous spaces in the canvases. "Space is my main focus. First I draw lines, and then I start painting objects when I feel sure I know the whole picture. I hate creating meaningless objects that just maintain balance in my pictures. I always try to understand the structure of my work. I enjoy the whole process; it's like putting a puzzle together," says Sugiyama.

Though his style is very elaborate, Sugiyama says he doesn't have a pre-planned blueprint. "I don't have any plan when I start drawing. An interesting shape created from initial sketches pulls ideas from its surroundings by itself." And, would you believe, he doesn't use a computer. "I don't have any reasons not to, it's just that I have chosen hand drawing and painting as my method. I draw the same thing repeatedly without using a photocopier in order to erase any peculiarities in the drawing; this condenses it to its purest form. This act of repetition--doing things over and over again--makes me see my work objectively. Someone pointed this out as an act of faith."

And it seems he is true to this faith in his Art. "I want to pursue this style. I am not interested in following what other artists do, and I am not interested in recreating landscapes, as nature itself is already beautiful. If I'm going to try something new, then it will be figures. I want to try origami figures one day."

Sugiyama's work will be featured in the YOD gallery room at ART OSAKA. Experience the marvelous use of space in his works, and be prepared to become a fan. (T.G.)


Takuro Sugiyama Biography
2004  Solo exhibition, Osoblanco, Osaka
          Japan-China Art Exchange, Shanghai University, China
2006  Solo exhibition, Osoblanco, Osaka
2007  Solo exhibition, Gallery58, Tokyo
          Solo exhibtion, space gallery roundish, Osaka
          Japan-Korea Exchange, Artist in residence, South Korea
2008  Art Osaka 2008 (YOD Gallery), Osaka
          Solo exhibition, YOD Gallery, Osaka
2009  Art Tokyo (YOD Gallery)