Nihonga artist Kōkyō Hatanaka has continuously explored artistic expressions that maximize the beauty of lines and mineral pigments, keeping in mind the essence of Oriental painting: that a painting exists as a flat surface. To achieve this, he has spent over half a century researching and collecting vibrant Indian miniature paintings, which are rich in color unlike traditional Chinese paintings. His dedication has led him to travel to India over 100 times, and he is also known as a researcher of Indian art.
Without affiliating with any established art organizations, Hatanaka has proactively initiated experimental group exhibitions. He meticulously studies Buddhist themes to explore their essence, creating works that delve deeply into Buddhist philosophy. This exhibition will showcase a vast collection of his finest works, including many new pieces.

About Kōkyō Hatanaka
Kōkyō Hatanaka was born in 1947 in Nara Prefecture. He studied Japanese Buddhist History at Ōtani University and later completed a specialized program at Kyoto City University of Arts. He has received numerous awards, including First Prize at the Shell Art Award Exhibition in 1977, the Grand Prize at the Tokyo Central Museum Nihonga Grand Prize Exhibition in 1978, and the Kyoto Prefectural Cultural Achievement Award. In 2018, he created and dedicated paintings of Buddhist patriarchs on the pillars of the Central Golden Hall of Kōfuku-ji Temple. In 2021, he created and dedicated fusuma (sliding door) paintings for the resting area of Higashi Honganji Temple.

• Banana Offering (Kelapari) (Partial)2023

• Zen Meditation Bodhidharma2024

• Higashi Honganji – Fusuma Painting on the Side of the Head Priest:
  Reverence for the Sacred Site of Enlightenment (Partial)
  2018 (Collection of Higashi Honganji)

• Like a Lotus Unstained by Muddy Water
  (Partial)2014

• The Moment of Sorrow2024

• Food1973

• One Light2015

Highlight 1A Grand Solo Exhibition in Kyoto, the Artist’s Hometown

This is the only large-scale solo exhibition of Hatanaka’s works in Kyoto, presenting a culmination of his career. Instead of showcasing works through traditional art groups, he has consistently exhibited his masterpieces in group exhibitions.

Highlight 2Approximately 100 Large-Scale Works, Including New and Recent Pieces

The exhibition primarily features the artist’s recent creations, demonstrating his ongoing passion for artistic expression. Among the exhibited works, around 20 pieces (including 14 large-scale works) were newly created in 2024.

Highlight 3Showcasing Buddhist-Themed Nihonga in a Zen Temple

Since the exhibition is held in a Zen temple, Hatanaka has created two new Bodhidharma-themed pieces.
Additionally, the fusuma paintings dedicated to the resting area of Higashi Honganji, which are not usually open to the public, will be displayed.

Lectures

• March 15 (Sat)

  The History and Future of Nihonga

• May 3 (Sat)

  Issues in Nihonga

• May 31 (Sat)

  Exploring the Possibilities of Nihonga Through the Past

• Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Gallery Talks

• Phase I

  March 22 (Sat), April 12 (Sat), April 19 (Sat)

• Phase II

  May 10 (Sat), May 24 (Sat), June 14 (Sat)

• Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Note: A valid admission ticket for the day is required to attend these events.