Masanori Maeda

Born in Miyazaki Prefecture in 1964, Masanori Meada graduated as Head of Class, being distinguished by the Ataka Prize in Nihonga painting from the prestigious Tokyo University of the Arts.

Maeda is influenced by the conceptual idea of « Mu », commonly translated by « nothingness ». It is linked with the idea of good and bad, love and hate, creation and destruction, all found in human nature and representing extremes that must be eliminated to reach the state of Mu.

Fusing traditions of Japanese Ink painting, pigments, and washi, known as Japanese paper, with unusual materials such as aluminium leaves and metal mud, Masanori creates distinct works within the abstraction movement. His creations combine bold brushwork with a lyrical delicacy. 

Masanori's paintings are structured around horizontal or vertical layered blocks of alternating colours. Involving constant negotiation between calm and vitality and a balance between light and shadows; plunging the viewer into an almost meditative state.