Always, 2019

Kadota Mitsumasa  

Mitsumasa Kadota's "Always" (2019) is a striking large-scale work that embodies his signature approach to painting, where color, movement, and texture merge into a visually immersive experience. This piece, created with acrylic and carborundum on cotton, stands as an impressive testament to Kadota's ability to transform traditional painting into a dynamic interplay of energy and materiality.

"Always" exemplifies Kadota's exploration of the boundaries between control and spontaneity. The composition appears in constant motion, with cascading waves of red, yellow, black, and white forming an almost sculptural surface. The use of carborundum—an unconventional medium in painting—enhances the textural complexity, giving the work a tactile depth that changes with the light and viewing angle.

The title, "Always", suggests continuity, resilience, and an unceasing evolution—concepts that are deeply embedded in Kadota's artistic philosophy. His brushwork creates an illusion of organic movement, reminiscent of fire, flowing fabric, or even a landscape caught in transformation. This fluid dynamism makes each viewing experience unique, as different nuances reveal themselves over time.

Kadota's work has been exhibited in significant institutions, including Lincoln Center in New York and the Sezon Museum of Modern Art in Japan. His paintings, known for their technical mastery and conceptual depth, are part of prestigious collections and continue to draw international recognition.

"Always" was created in 2019, a pivotal year in Kadota's career, as he further refined his unique fusion of color and material. The painting's scale enhances its immersive quality, making it an ideal statement piece for collectors who appreciate contemporary abstraction that pushes traditional limits.

This work has a commanding presence. Layers of acrylic paint seem to cascade and intertwine, creating an effect that is both intense and harmonious. The surface texture, enriched by carborundum, adds a granulated depth that is particularly striking under different lighting conditions. The bold contrast between warm and cool tones—fiery reds and yellows against deep blacks and whites—gives the piece a dynamic, almost elemental force.

In person, "Always" possesses an undeniable energy, drawing the viewer into its intricate interplay of movement and texture. The painting's grand dimensions (227.3 × 182 cm) amplify its impact, making it an artwork that transforms the space around it.

Kadota's "Always" is an exceptional example of his ability to harness color and material to create a constantly evolving visual experience. This piece offers not only an aesthetic impact but also a conceptual depth that invites reflection and engagement. An extraordinary addition to any collection, it captures the essence of movement, transformation, and the limitless potential of contemporary painting.